Naomi Ervine

Graveside services: Monday, October 15, 2007 at 1:00 pm at the Mount View Cemetery in Billings, MT

Naomi Ervine, age 91, of Phoenix, AZ formerly of Billings, MT passed away at the Sunrise Group Home in Surprise, AZ.

Naomi was born on May 3, 1916, one out of 14 children born to Jacob and Karoline (Hummel) Kerner in Medina, ND. The daughter of a farmer, Naomi was raised out in the fields as a young girl. She attended country schools around Medina and Jamestown. She moved with the family to Sidney, MT and eventually settled in Shepard, MT with them.

Naomi and William Ervine were married in Billings, MT, where they had met, on October 15, 1937. To this union, three children were born; Harold, Jim and Karen. She adored her children and enjoyed being able to be such a big part of their lives growing up and as adults. She was a homemaker throughout her life, always taking care of her family. When her children were growing up, she was a park matron at the Terry Park in Billings for over 10 years. Her love for children, her own and others was evident in everything that she did.

Her husband Bill passed away in December of 1971, after being married for almost 35 years. She remained in Billings, living at her home there for over 50 years, as her health allowed. In her later years, Naomi enjoyed traveling between Texas, Montana and Arizona where she split her time living with her children, Harold and Karen. In 2005, Naomi moved to Sunrise Group Home in Surprise, AZ where she was blessed with wonderful caregivers who treated her like a queen. We would especially like to thank her caregivers, Chris and Alice, who were like family to us.

Naomi enjoyed crocheting, making afghans, putting puzzles together and reading. She loved working outside in her garden and yard. She loved being around people and enjoyed visiting with her friends over a good cup of coffee. She would stay up late at night drinking coffee reading and/or playing cards, especially Canasta. Naomi was lovingly called Auntie M, White Grandma and Canasta Queen by all her knew her.

Naomi is survived by her daughter Karen (Jim) Elliot of Surprise, AZ, daughter-in-law; Lumduon Ervine of San Antonio, TX, Brother; Jacob Chuck Kerner of Idaho, Sister, Thelma (Doc) Gunkel of Amarillo, TX, eight grandchildren; Udom Stamegna of Hawaii, Dang (Brenda) Ervine of Texas, Dewi (Jay) Johnson of Texas, Billy (Kim) Ervine of Texas, Vikki (Leland) Bohlman of Helena, MT, Amy (John) Frazey of Tigard, OR, Heather Elliot of Idaho and Kris Holmlund of Oregon. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and special friend Norden Young of AZ. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, her sons; Jim and Harold, her grandson Kevin Holmlund, her special friend Lela Johnson, five sisters and six brothers.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 1:00 pm at the Mount View Cemetery in Billings, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Sunrise Assisted Group Home, Serenity Hospice, 7227 North 16th Street, Suite 235, Phoenix, AZ,
82020 or to the Hospice Organization of your choice.