Naomi Rising
Naomi Elizabeth (Lawson) Rising, 96, passed away Dec. 12, 2023, at her long-established farm home northeast of Cashion.
She was born in Lockridge on June 27, 1927, the firstborn of two children to George Marion Lawson and Mabel Irene (Hatfield) Lawson.
She was preceded in death by both parents; her husband Olin Robert Rising; sister Ramona Irene Green; granddaughter Rebecca Jane Rising; and grandson-in-law Ben Bailey.
She is survived by her three adult children, Anita K. Robinson of Cashion, Dennis L. Rising and wife Tanya of Cashion, and David G. Rising and wife Deborah of Bristow; grandchildren Justin Baker, Kelley Farrar and husband Wade, Jamie Bailey, Bradley, Joshua and Aurica Rising; great-grandchildren Drew and Ryan Baker, Nolin and Lawson Farrar, Addison and Caleb Bailey and Rhett Rising.
She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents relocated numerous times while she was still in school as a child, having also lived in Navina and Guthrie as well as Center and Monarch, Colo., Bloomington and San Bernadino, Calif., before returning to Cashion where she graduated high school in 1945.
Family farm chores in her early years proved to be good training for her yet-to-come role as a farmer’s wife.
She met her future husband while in high school at Cashion and they married in Crescent on Feb. 20, 1954, following a lengthy courtship of 10 years.
At the time of their marriage, Olin was stationed at Camp Chaffee in Fort Smith, Ark., but upon his discharge from the Army in 1955, they returned to the Rising farm near Cashion where they not only started their family, but went on to live out the remainder of their lives.
She, in fact, passed away in the very home where Olin was born 97 years prior.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, a fierce defender and protector of them all.
Naomi was always supportive and involved in all her children’s organized activities such as sports, Scouts, band, 4-H and FFA.
She served in multiple parent booster clubs, including leadership roles within and was recognized with an Honorary FFA Degree in 1977 for her involvement.
Her love for cake decorating produced many beautiful cakes that were auctioned as fundraisers for the various booster clubs.
She also enjoyed embroidery and was active in the Home Demonstration Club, T.O.P.S. and the First Methodist Church of Cashion.
Later, through involvement in pitch a canasta clubs and the First Baptist Church of Crescent, she found tremendous joy in both long-standing and newfound friendships.
An unfortunate consequence of earning her 96-year badge was that she witnessed the passing of most of her peers and it became increasingly difficult to venture out and form new friendships through new clubs and activities.
Although she enjoyed relatively good health into her early 90’s, time and the long tentacles of dementia eventually caught up to her.
Once Olin passed away in 2021, her health decline became precipitous and her mental struggles increased rapidly. Through devoted love and daily efforts by Anita and Dennis, numerous caregivers and ultimately hospice, she was able to remain in her home until her death.
When her earthly death did come, it could only be seen as a blessing, as she was physically and mentally exhausted from the effects of her unrelenting disease process.
She passed surrounded by her children and was mercifully, finally at peace. She was dearly loved by all her family and will be deeply missed by us and many others.
Rest in peace sweet mama.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at the Cashion First Baptist Church under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Davis officiating.
Interment will follow at the Cashion Cemetery alongside both of her parents and her husband of 67 years.
Viewing will be open to friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st St., Guthrie, OK.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www. smithgallo.com.