Naomi Irene Chadwell
Naomi Irene (Powell) Chadwell, of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away Nov. 26, 2025, at the age of 97.
Born on Sept. 20, 1928, in Baker, Ore., to Fred and Eathel Powell, Naomi grew up in Baker City, where she attended local schools and graduated from Baker High School. She continued her education with a two-year college program in business.
Naomi married Wallace “Dick” Chadwell, and together they began their family in 1948 in a small cabin on East Eagle Creek in northeast Oregon. In 1951, they moved to Moses Lake, Wash., where they raised their six children.
Naomi and Dick owned and operated Moses Lake Welding and Supply, a longstanding and well-known business in the Moses Lake community. After selling the business, Naomi continued her professional life working for Grant County in Ephrata until her retirement.
Naomi had many gifts, but she was especially known for her talent in sewing and quilting. She designed and made clothing for her children as they grew, and throughout her lifetime, she created more than 125 quilts and quilted projects for her children, grandchildren and extended family. She also loved gardening. She and Dick fed their family with vegetables from her garden and fruit from their trees, and she grew roses and flowers that were greatly admired.
Above all, Naomi’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a large and loving legacy: Mark (Laurie) Chadwell, Joyce (Gordon) Knopp, Kenton Chadwell, Susan (Jeff) Heagy, Nancy (Mark) Butcher and Janet (Mark) Millard; 20 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was not only our mother and grandmother but also our mentor and the one we all turned to throughout every chapter of our lives. She was the heart of our family.
Naomi was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Dick Chadwell, in 1976, by her sister Elaine Powell Lynch, and by three beautiful grandchildren: Bradley and Natalie Butcher and Angela Kimmel. A celebration of Naomi’s life will be planned for the spring of 2026.
Naomi Irene (Powell) Chadwell, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on Nov. 26, 2025, at the age of 97.