Naomi Jean Waters' Obituary
On Friday, January 23, 2026, Naomi Jean (Flowers) Waters of Hanover, Ohio, was welcomed home by the Lord and reunited with the love of her life, Lewis C. Waters.
Naomi Jean Flowers was born on October 13, 1929, in Newark, Ohio, the sixth of sixteen children to the late Lloyd and Ruth (Burrier) Flowers. She married her soulmate, Lewis, on April 16, 1948, in Newport, Kentucky, where they ran off to elope, creating an exciting young love story they enjoyed sharing with their family.
Naomi was the true definition of a homemaker and found joy in a clean home, made-from-scratch food, and caring for her husband and family. She was well known for her sweet tea, homemade noodles, and baked goods, especially her famous cinnamon rolls, buns, and chocolate chip cookies.
She took great pride in her home in Hanover, where she lived for more than 60 years and warmly welcomed everyone. Naomi especially loved playing games with family and friends, caring for her pets and plants, and making home videos. She loved listening to music, especially when her family gathered in her living room to sing and play instruments. Prior to marriage, Naomi helped care for her younger siblings and attended Hanover High School.
Naomi is survived by her daughter, Anita (Roger) Linger; sons, Mike (Tracy) Waters, and Jeff (Brenda) Waters; grandchildren, Jaime (Allen) Bartels, Emily Britton-Arnold, Josh Linger, Sarah Waters, Heath (Jodi) Waters, and Tara (Kyle) Gordon; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Deloris, Esther, Vivian, Donna, Phyllis (Emerson), Sharon (Earl), Patty (Dennis); as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and loving husband, Naomi was preceded in death by her grandson, Michael Jeremy; sisters Virginia, Ellora Jane, and Juanita; brothers, Lloyd Jr., Roy, Chester, Kenneth, and Walter; sisters-in-law, Ruth, and Edith; brothers-in-law Lester, Harold, Richard, Floyd, and John.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Vensil & Chute Funeral Home | Newark with Pastor Gene "Buzz" Waters officiating. Although there will not be a graveside service, her final resting place will be beside her husband in Hanover Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, 1850 West Main Street, Newark, Ohio.
What’s your fondest memory of Naomi?
What’s a lesson you learned from Naomi?
Share a story where Naomi's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Naomi you’ll never forget.
How did Naomi make you smile?
