Naomi Forkner

FORKNER, NAOMI Lakeland Naomi Forkner of Lakeland passed away on Monday, September 17, 2012 at the age of 95. Naomi was born to Stanley and Ida Tritt on September 29, 1916 in Magnetic Springs, Ohio. In 1941, as Treasurer of the United Brethren Church in Ostrander, Ohio she married the young pastor, Stanley Forkner. Together, they went on to serve churches in Dayton, Ohio; and Livonia and Grand Rapids, Michigan. They lived for many years in Lansing, Michigan while Stanley held an administrative position in the Evangelical United Brethren church conference. In 1986, they began to winter in Lakeland, Florida. Naomi moved to Lakeland permanently in 1995 following the death of Stanley in December of 1993. For the past few years, she lived at Carpenters Villa. Naomi was preceded in death by her daughter Mary Ruth in 2008; her brother Gilbert; and sisters Mary and Ruth. She was the last remaining member of her birth family. She is survived by her sons Robert (Sandie) Boynton Beach, FL and Paul (Mary) Lakeland, FL; grandchildren Sonya (Tito) Santiago, Cindy (Bryan) Williams, Jenifer (Donald) Hoffman, and Scott Forkner; and five great-grandchildren, Aliya and Alex Santiago, Avery and Adison Hoffman and Katelyn Williams. She is also survived by her beloved nieces Donna and Jeannie in Columbus, Ohio. Naomi was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. Flowers are not necessary. The family asks that any memorials be made to the charity of your choice. Naomi will be buried in Grand Rapids, Michigan next to her husband Stanley. A memorial service will be planned.