Naomi R. Siscoe

When reflecting on the life of Naomi Siscoe, it is easy to see that her life was rooted in something different, something deeper, and that something was her faith. She was a compassionate and humble woman who lived to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. A devoted wife and loving mother, Naomi certainly took these roles to heart, but she just may have argued that nothing was better than watching her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored. Straightforward and direct, one never needed to wonder where they stood with Naomi, and her sense of humor was so unique. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. We sent countless American servicemen and women to engage in the fight for freedom while those who remained stateside became all too familiar with rationing on common goods like paper, rubber, sugar, and coffee. It was just after the war came to an end that Gerald and Hazel (Hilton) Stout were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as summer covered the city of Bluffton, Indiana, in great beauty. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Naomi Ruth drew her first breath on June 4, 1946. She was the second of four children in her family and the only girl as she was raised alongside her older brother, James Samuel, and her younger brothers, Jerry Dee and John Charles. Although she was born in Bluffton, while she was still an infant the Stout family moved to Schoolcraft, Michigan. When Naomi was 11, they settled in Vicksburg.

In many ways Naomi was a young girl of her generation. To help make ends meet, her mother also worked outside of the home. This meant that Naomi spent most days looking after her younger brothers and helping raise them, too. As a student at local schools, she graduated from Vicksburg High School.

Shortly after graduating, Naomi married Robert Richards, and although they soon divorced, she was always grateful for the daughter they shared named Jaunita. Eventually, Naomi was blessed with her second daughter, Irene. As a mother she was completely devoted to her girls, and she raised them as a single mother who was resourceful and able to provide a happy and stable childhood for her girls because of it. Naomi was an amazing cook who had boxes of cookbooks and recipes. She will always be known for her pepper steak dish, steak with “goop.” Naomi was also amazing as a baker as she made it seem effortless as she made fudge, cookies, and other sweets each Christmas.

Always unwavering in her faith, Naomi attended the Assembly of God Church in Vicksburg for several years. It was there that she found the love of her life. His name was Robert Siscoe, and since her girls were grown the happy couple settled right in to married life together. When the Christian Assembly of God Church opened on Lovers Lane, Naomi made a change in her church home since that church was so much closer. She has been a dedicated member there for over 15 years and actively involved as the leader of their prayer team and prayer chains.

When Robert’s health declined, he moved into Riverview Manor. When Naomi’s health also started to slide downhill, she began depending on her children more. Naomi absolutely delighted in her family and was so proud of her grandchildren Billy, Ryan, and Rachel. Later on, was tickled when her great-grandchildren were added to the mix including Jeffrey, Alexia, and Izack.

With unending love for her Lord first and foremost, Naomi Siscoe was a blessing to everyone she met. Second only to her faith was the love she had for her family, and there was nothing that she wouldn’t do for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In everything that came her way, Naomi’s strength and courage were truly inspiring. She will never be forgotten.

Naomi R. Siscoe, of Vicksburg, died on October 16, 2015, at Borgess Medical Center. Following her death, her husband, Robert Siscoe passed away on October 18, 2015. Naomi is survived by her daughters Jaunita Richards and Irene (Jay) Milbrandt; grandchildren, Billy, Ryan, and Rachel Neidlinger; great grandchildren, Jeffrey, Alexia, and Izack; brothers, Jerry (Nancy) Stout and John Stout. Naomi was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Stout. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Assembly of God; 7835 Lovers Lane, Portage. Visit Naomi’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story and sign her guestbook. Memorial donations may be made to Christian Assembly of God.