Naomi Ruth Hampton

September 26, 1923 – November 20, 2021

The matriarch of the Hampton family, Naomi Ruth Hampton, has passed. She was born on Sept. 26, 1923, to Emma Farnum Hollenbeck and Hugh Hollenbeck in Athol, South Dakota. She was the youngest of seven children and passed away on Nov. 20, 2021.

Naomi joins her husband Bud Hampton; parents (Emma and Hugh Hollenbeck); six siblings William Hollenbeck, Grace Miller, Wilbur Hollenbeck, Clifford Hollenbeck, Earl Hollenbeck and Lawrence Hollenbeck; children Lyle Hampton, Robert “Bob” Hampton and Robin “Bunny” Hampton; and son-in-law Dale Bowers, who pre-deceased her.

Naomi is survived by her children Lynda Bowers, Sandra Dodge (Roy), Gayle Hampton-Smith (Kyle), Pamela Hampton, Alex “Bud” Hampton (Diane) and Carla (wife of Robert). Naomi is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews, 22 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Naomi leaves behind many dear friends that she cherished.

How does one put into words a life of 98 years in a few paragraphs? Naomi had a full and satisfying life of enjoying family, travel, gardening, sewing and social affairs. She loved to cook for everyone, and she could make a wonderful, delectable spread from breakfast to dinner. Mother was warm and kind and had a way of making everyone feel at home. She was dedicated and involved in the ranching and farming operations, as well. She was the ultimate “Mama Bear” when it came to her children and grandchildren, and she showered them with unconditional love. She was protective and fair, and had a profound sense of justice. Naomi’s life was like a perfectly-appointed symphony; there were so many moving parts and she kept them in balance and beautiful harmony.

Naomi married R.A. “Bud” Hampton on July 5, 1941, in Missoula, Montana. They loved and supported each other for 55 years. They raised their eight children and delighted in having many friends join in the fun. Naomi was full of laughter and had a sense of purpose. Academics was of utmost importance, and they encouraged all their children to seek higher education. She supported Bud in almost everything that he deemed essential in raising his family, including outdoor adventures, fishing, hunting, playing sports, traveling and so many other ways to spread their wings. Naomi was a source of tremendous inspiration, experience and knowledge. She was an avid reader and loved sharing this with her family.

In her later years, she found satisfaction with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they developed a curiosity and adventure for life. She was active into her 90s and her family loved her dearly. Naomi maintained a mischievous sense of humor until the end. It is with a heavy heart that we let her go, but she is in the arms of the Lord and reunited with those that passed before her.

Celebration of Life services were held on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 835 S. 10th St., Othello, Washington. Naomi’s interment will be at the Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens.

If you choose to make a donation, please consider Assured Hospice Care in Moses Lake, Washington.