Naomi Elaine (Garman) Lenker

Naomi Elaine (Garman) Lenker

Richfield, PA

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Naomi Elaine (Garman) Lenker on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the age of 99.

Naomi was born on February 13, 1926, the only child of Raymond and Mary (Shelley) Garman. On December 22, 1946, she married John William Lenker, with whom she shared fifty-nine years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Shelley (Lenker) Gelder (Michael Pantaloni); six grandchildren, Elizabeth (Gelder) Sirolly (Jeffrey), Steven Gelder (Emily), Sean Russell, Michael Russell (Denise), Amy Pannebaker, and Christine Russell; five great-grandchildren, Jordan Russell, Lucia Sirolly, Tristan Sirolly, James Gelder, Reese Gelder; and a sister-in-law, Joann Lenker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2005; son, John (Jake) in 2010; daughter, Susan Russell in 2024; son-in-law, Joseph Russell in 2008; and her beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law (Lawrence and Shirley Ferster, Chester and Miriam Troutman, and Marvin Lenker). Naomi also leaves behind three generations of nieces and nephews. Naomi embraced her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, and will be missed deeply by all.

As a child, Naomi developed a lifelong love of reading and learning, which led to a career in teaching elementary school for over 30 years. Naomi initially started her studies at Susquehanna University as a chemistry major, eventually graduating from Bloomsbury University with a degree in Elementary Education. Naomi was a member of the United Church of Christ in Richfield, PA, and was a Sunday school teacher for many years.

A memorial service will be held at Richfield United Church of Christ on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Tammy Gessner officiating. Burial will follow in Richfield Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to the charity of your choice in Naomi's name.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to George P. Garman Funeral Homes, Inc., 9366 Route 35, Mt. Pleasant Mills, PA 17853.