Naomi Ruth Monnett (September 25, 1935 – January 12, 2025)
Naomi Ruth Monnett, a shining light of kindness and compassion, passed away on January 12, 2025, at the age of 89. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones. Naomi had spent the past three years residing in Colorado Springs with family. Prior to calling Colorado home, Naomi had spent much of her life in Florida and the Greater New England area.
Born in Camden, New Jersey, to Rev. Clarence Newton Monnett and Mrs. Mary (Rickenbach) Monnett, Naomi was the youngest of three girls (sisters Margaret May and Mary Fader). Naomi was a proud descendant of the well-known French artist, Claude Monet. As a reverend’s daughter Naomi grew up with a strong foundation of faith and family. She was proud to have attended Eastern Nazarene College. As a daughter of God, she found strength and inspiration in her faith and gospel music.
With a heart full of compassion and a calling to serve, Naomi dedicated her life to caring for others. She cherished providing respite for families with special needs children and working in group homes with developmentally delayed adults. Her selfless devotion brought joy and dignity to countless lives.
Naomi’s sparkling sense of humor and quick wit could light up a room, often catching friends and family off guard with her clever one-liners. Naomi was a gifted storyteller who could talk for hours, sharing tales and laughter with everyone around her. Her love for music, dance, and delicious food was contagious and brought people together.
Many Christmas trees (her favorite holiday) were decorated with homemade ornaments, favorites collected throughout the years, and always topped with an angel. She would spend countless hours decorating and getting ready for the holiday season. She would start planning and asking for wish lists before it was even Easter.
Naomi had a special place in her heart for dogs, who brought her immense joy and comfort throughout her life. Her canine companions were more than just pets – they were beloved family members, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Naomi certainly did live up to her name. The name Naomi, which appears in the Bible’s Book of Ruth, means “pleasantness” or “gentle” in Hebrew. Naomi’s story is an example of the importance of family, community, and loyalty.
Naomi’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and service. Her bright smile, generous heart, and effervescent spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her favorite son, Barton Monnett (wife Lynne), and her favorite daughter, Mary Beth Young (husband Adam).
She is also survived by those who called her Mimmom:
– Karissa Byrd (husband Gabe and children Boston and Sophia)
– USMC Gunnery Sergeant Kaden Monnett (wife Maylea and children Avery, Camden, Maverick, and Genevieve)
– Krista Monnett
– Kristian Monnett
– Kaleb Monnett
– Kari Monnett
She will be deeply missed by those she loved like family, including but not limited to: her favorite chef “Italian” Gabe, Allie, Qualynne and Laura (Lancaster) Cyr.
And of course her beloved dog Honey.
In lieu of flowers, she would be honored if donations were made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. You can donate online at stjude.org, by phone at tel:+1-800-805-5856, or directly to Naomi’s St Jude memorial fund.
Please feel free to share a special memory or anecdote.
Maylea Monnett
22 Jan 2025When I first met Mimom, she welcomed me and Avery with open arms, already considered me family, told me to make myself at home and loved on Avery… we celebrated Christmas that year with her and everyone in Florida. Then a year and a half later we saw her again in July and she still had her Christmas tree up! She told me, “what’s the point in taking it down if it makes me so happy to have it up!” And she did admire the ornaments and the Angel on top. I’ll never not think of her if I hear the phrase “Christmas in July”, she’s the only person I’ve ever known to actually have kept the tree up all year!
I love hearing Kaden talk about how Mimom was when he was younger. She gave him some of his favorite core childhood memories. I’m so glad I met her and got the opportunity to hear some of her stories and see her kindness towards my children and me. 💛
Laura Lancaster Cyr
22 Jan 2025I loved her deeply for so many reasons .
She was severely and hilariously honest .
Silly,sweet ,loving and always giving and just enough naughty to make
People wonder what she was up to or what she would do or say next . You never knew
What she would come out with or sing at the top of her lungs . I loved our late night grocery trips . Who could imagine that would be fun ? You might find her doing ballet in the next aisle or snacking on candy or tossing things over to the next aisle . She was the whole package ! Beautiful , smart , funny and a whole lot of Sassy . Heaven is a lot more fun and exciting with her in it . She loved me like I was her own and for someone to make you feel wanted , cared for and safe was everything to me . I was so Happy to be able to have her in my home for a while while she was in between homes . To love on her and cook for her and snuggle eating snacks in the bed watching Modern family and giggling like kids was an amazing time . I love you momma forever and Always , your Angie
Patti VanderKooy
22 Jan 2025Mama Chick was the real deal! She was the original all that & a bag of chips! My favorite secondhand story about her is the number one perfect story about a PK. Iykyk! She couldn’t help it that she loved dancing, and it was impossible for her, as a teenager, to pass up a local dance contest, even though it was well beyond her curfew. She indeed went & had the time of her life, dancing, laughing, and enjoying every minute! She was able to sneak back into her house & fall fast asleep, until the next morning, when she was awakened to the news of her parents reading about her in the morning paper as the winner of the local dance contest the previous night! THAT is how much she loved dancing, and continued to, for the rest of her life! I loved hearing about her adventures from her beloved and loving daughter Mary Beth, this dance story being one of my favorites! Mama Chick was absolutely beautiful, forever stylish, and such a fun person to be around! She’s the ageless girlfriend who would suggest that you wear the high heels, dance the last dance, and buy your favorite sweater in every color! I’m grateful that she is now singing her favorite hymns with all of her loved ones who were waiting for her. She is also able to dance like a teenager again! I’m most grateful that she is free of pain and full of peace and joy! Her memory is indeed a blessing. May God richly bless and tenderly comfort her loved ones who are left behind, until they meet again!❤️🙏🏼
Adam Young Son-in-Law
23 Jan 2025I always loved my Mama Chick. She was very good to me. She hosted me on her couch when I had no place to go. We broke up laughing in church from time to time, that was different. Lol. She was always happy, singing, whistling and living her life. We had serious talks about politics & Christian faith and agreed almost entirely.
She lived a very full life and I will never forget her or her impact on my life. Above all, she birthed and raised my loving Wife of 29 years. For that I will forever be grateful. Love you Mama Chick
Robin Lanning
23 Jan 2025My sincerest sympathies to you all. Lovely tribute. Naomi & I go way back – 57 years ago, we met as neighbors in Hightstown, NJ. Naomi & family lived in duplex next door (which happened to be where my cousins had grown up). Bart & my older daughter Lisa are the same age & what beautiful children Naomi had. I remember that she loved dressing up her baby doll Mary Beth. One funny incident was that tenant living in upper floor of house we rented was growing marijuana in window & police were casing from Naomi’s next door! We stayed in touch through all her moves – So. Jersey, News England & Florida, occasionally seeing each or catching up by phone. Always fun & always stylish, Naomi kept her hair & makeup perfect. Sadly, these last years we were unable to talk & laugh together, but I cherish, as you do, all the fond memories. A lovely lady – I admired how her strength & faith got her through a lot of tough times. My friend – may you RIP – or not, as you’re singing & dancing with the angels. God bless.