Naomi Lucille Crist, 100, of Milford passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston, IL. She was born June 20, 1925 to Martin and Gertrude (Sobkoviak) Nielsen.

 

Naomi married the love of her life, Duane Crist, and their love story unfolded gracefully on the dance floor, where each twirl and step in their square dances echoed their deep affection and joyful partnership they shared. During their marriage, they were blessed with three loving children: Cheryl (Kent) Jones of Lebanon, PA, Cynthia (Alan) Crow of Luxemburg, WI, and Bruce (Sue) Crist of Milford, IL.

 

Naomi was the heart and soul of the Crist family, her home was a sanctuary of warmth and comfort, where the aroma of her homemade chicken and noodles and sweet rolls always welcomed her 6 grandchildren: Allison (Mike) Austin, Andy Crow, Alicia Swope, Eric (Holli) Starkey, Drew Starkey (Sarah), and Brenna (Justin) Schroeder, as well as her 11 great-grandchildren: Lucy, Paige, Travis, Kendal, Brayden, Quinn, London, Avery, Nolan, Ryder, and Elliot.

 

Beyond her family, Naomi touched many lives through her community work and unwavering generosity. She served pie at the local sale barn, but it was her warm smile and kind heart that truly made their way into the hearts of everyone she met.

 

Waiting to welcome Naomi home are her loving husband, Duane, her parents, Martin and Gertrude, and her sister Ruth Harmon, her brothers Bob, Jim and Charles, her daughter Cynthia, and her granddaughter Rachel. We find comfort in knowing that our beloved Naomi is now reunited with her family, surrounded by love and cherished memories.

 

As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the beautiful long life she lived. Her spirit will continue to guide us, her love for her family will forever warm our hearts, and her memory will be a source of comfort and strength in our lives.

 

Per her wishes, cremation rites are handled by Knapp Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Friday, September 19th, 2025 at 10:30 at Maple Grove Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held following at the Crist Family Farm.

 

Memorials may be made to the Milford District Library.

 

Please share a memory of Naomi at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.