Naomi Mae Lichti

Naomi Mae Lichti, of Fresno, California, was called home March 16, 2021. She was born July 6, 1926 to James Harvey Wimer and Lola Mae (Denney) Wimer in Fresno, California. In 1956, Naomi met Kenneth Irvin Lichti and his two daughters. Ken and Naomi were married May 24, 1958. She later adopted his daughters, Lynn and Diana. After their marriage, Naomi moved to Ventura, California, where they made their home.

She and her husband served ad Church Youth Group sponsors for 8 years where they had become known as "Pa" and "Ma" with our High School Youth Group. Throughout her life, not only was she a devoted wife and mother, but she and Kenneth also served as Foster Parents for a few years. They then brought others into our family mentoring, protecting and guiding them. Her love and influence for them remains and each on became a part of all of us; this includes Ni Wah Lin Hung, her husband Job and children Christopher, Naomi Hung, her husband Eddy and daughter Evangeline, and Chiana; Phillip Maxson, his wife Carolyn; Brenda Munson, her husband George and children Rachel-Lynn, Monica-Lynn (son Judah) and Donald, his wife Brenda, daughter Willie and son Foster.

She was also privileged to meet President and Nancy Reagan when they landed at Point Mugu Naval Base Ventura County in 1985 where Kenneth worked as the Technical Director of the Base. Naomi and Kenneth loved to travel in their 5th Wheel to Wyoming, Canada, and across the United States once Kenneth retired. She was widowed in 1993 and moved back to Fresno in 1997.

She is survived by her daughters, Lynn Birch and husband Elwood, Diana Blackburn and husband David. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Michelle Blackburn, Jonathan Blackburn and wife Bri, Danae Brandjord and husband Eric, Brian Birch and wife Maria; 8 great grandchildren, Henry and Jack Birch, Thor, Trevor, Jordan and Kael Brandjord, and Scarlett and Mason Blackburn.

Naomi received her degree in nursing through the US Cadet Nurses Corp and graduated in 1948 from Mounds Midway School of Nursing; she never served in the war, as it ended before she graduated, but worked as a Nurse in Fresno and then Ventura for many years. Her special gift was her love of nursing. Naomi led a Women's Bible Study at the Windham Assisted Living for 12 years and served on the Windham Food Forum and the Resident's Council. She loved crocheting blankets and throws for everyone. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

Donations can be made to: The Salvation Army of Fresno, Fresno Rescue Mission or the Fresno Evangel Home.

A Memorial Service for Naomi will be held at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.