Naomi Ruth White

Naomi Ruth (Griffith) White passed away and entered into eternity peacefully on Sept. 11, 2023, at the age of 91.  She was welcomed into heaven by her Lord and Savior, whom she served faithfully from the age of 14.   Born Feb. 14, 1932, Naomi was a lifetime resident of Akron.  Naomi was the youngest daughter of Melville and Ethel Griffith and was a loving and devoted wife for 70 years to the late C.R. White. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, siblings Donald Griffith, Lyle Griffith, Margery Messner,  Genevieve Hensel and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Naomi was always pleasant and gentle and a wonderful counselor to her children.  She was resilient through the tough times and compassionate with everyone she came in contact.  She was an incredibly strong woman of faith.  She exemplified her biblical namesakes Naomi and Ruth, who gave us the example that serving God requires faith and serving God creates a legacy.  She understood that serving God was a personal decision and involves sacrifice.  Because of her strong faith, this legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren.

Naomi was always a servant to everyone around her.  She started out as a young woman working in a hospital as a nurse’s assistant and then helped care for both sets of grandparents, her own father and many other family members including her husband before his death in 2020.  Nicknamed “Dr. Mom”, if a Tylenol or Tums wouldn’t fix the problem, she would consult her medical dictionary to find the ailment, diagnosis and plan of treatment.  If all else failed, she would offer a donut, which cured everything.

She was faithful to be in church every Sunday she was able and served her Faith United Methodist Church in Akron for more than 40 years in every aspect of church life.  Her most precious gift was serving in the church choir.  Her talent rivaled any popular singer of that time and given different circumstances may have landed her on tour with the likes of Tommy Dorsey or Glen Miller.  Instead, she chose to use her talents every Sunday to sing praises to her heavenly father.

Growing up in Akron during the 40’s she told stories of Big Band Concerts, dancing at Summit Lake Park and movies at the Lowe’s and Colonial Theaters.  Her children still remember her dancing at weddings with her sisters and nieces.  She would reminisce about the soda fountain in Scott’s 5 & 10, Thackers’ Hamburgers, Luigi’s Pizza and Mary Coyle’s ice cream.  In later years she enjoyed camping with her family at Friendship Acres and the friends she made in Wagon Wheels Trailer Club.

Naomi attended the old Akron South High School and ultimately retired from Akron Public Schools after 21 years working in nutritional services.  Along the way she worked at Green Cross Hospital, Miracle Mart, Amy Joy Donuts and provided childcare in her home.  But she always said her most fulfilling job was raising her family.

Naomi is survived by her children Dennis (Vanessa) White, Melanie (Bill) Anderson.  Grandchildren Lance White, Neal White, Will “Billy” Anderson, Alysse (Nate) Allison and great grandchildren Kylen Westfall and Michael White.

Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to special friends who continuously visited and encouraged Mom the last 3 ½ years and the amazing and loving staff at The Villages of St. Edwards in Green.  They made her last years manageable so she could “be around to see what would happen next.”

Celebration of Life to be held at Victory Life Church, 3833 Hudson Drive in Stow on Saturday Sept. 30th.   Calling hours from 11:00-12:00 and a service for Family and close friends at 12:15.  

Memorial gifts may be made to Feed My Sheep c/o Redeemer United Methodist Church 265 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave, Akron, Ohio 44310 or The Village of St. Edwards Foundation 3131 Smith Rd. Akron, Ohio 44333. Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330) 535-9186