Naomi "Na" Randall

1914 - 2011

Naomi Randall, age 96, died in San Jose, California, on January 17th. The daughter of J.Y. and Estella Voice Edwards, Naomi was a descendent of early pioneer settlers in the Kittitas Valley. She attended public school in Ellensburg, the Ellensburg Normal School, and also received her teaching certificate from Central Washington Teacher's College. Later, she received her B.A. from the University of Washington. Her teaching career included Wapato, Puyallup and Ellensburg.

Naomi married Reino Randall in Ellensburg, on July 31, 1938. Reino was a student, a professor, and later head of the Art Department, at Central. They were both very active in the community, participating in city environmental planning, campus beautification, and were strong supporters of the arts. Naomi accompanied Reino on some of the first educational study trips to Mexico City through CWSU. This led to a lifetime of travel and adventure for the couple. Naomi and Reino moved to San Jose in 1985.

Naomi was a member of Arvida Club, Chapter BF P.E.O. and Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed attending community arts events. Naomi's sage advice and open heart made her an inspiration to all the lives she touched.

Reino preceded her in death in 1997. Naomi is survived by her two daughters and their husbands; Terry and Mike McMahon of Palo Alto, CA, and Lynn and Lew Blackwell of La Quinta, CA; and her grandchildren; Megan and Molly McMahon, and Tyler Blackwell.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for February 26 in San Jose. Naomi will be interred at the IOOF Cemetery in Ellensburg.

Contributions may be made to: Naomi & Reino Randall Lecture Series, Central Washington University Foundation 400 E. University Way Ellensburg, WA 98926-7508