Naomi Hilbers-Wilson

Naomi Hilbers-Wilson was born in Wayne County, West Virginia on August 1, 1930, and was the oldest of seven children born to Dennis and Audra Fowler. Naomi passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, surrounded by her family and her faithful canine companion, Bentley. Naomi was ninety-four years old.

She is survived by her four children: Audrey A. Morris of Indio, California; Gerard H. Hilbers III (Pamela) of Sanibel Island, Florida; Alice A. Dunmire of Rochester Hills, Michigan; and Susan L. Margarit (Dr. James) of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Naomi left behind nine beloved grandchildren: William Morris (Lindy), Brandon Dunmire, Zachary Hilbers (Sarah), Katherine Morris, Lindsay Impemba (Bob), Kelsey Hilbers (Bryan), Andrew Margarit (Ariana), Caroline Morris, and Charles Margarit. Her six great grandchildren; Abigail, Madison, Jacob, Hailey, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel also brought her great joy. Two of Naomi's six siblings survive; Barbara Tackett of Sterling, Ohio and Violet Jones, of Apache Junction, Arizona.

Naomi was married to her first husband, Gerard H. Hilbers Jr., in September 1950. Naomi and Jerry lived in Detroit, Michigan; Tonawanda, New York; Muncie, Indiana; Williamsville, New York; and Troy, Michigan with their four children, while Naomi expertly took on the role of nurse, protector, safety manager, and cheerleader. When their children were young adults, Naomi and Jerry moved to Eindhoven in the Netherlands for four years, where Naomi enjoyed getting to know the Dutch countryside and the people, including several Dutch relatives. They were married for forty-two years, until Jerry passed away in 1992. 

A few years after Jerry's death, Naomi's sister reintroduced her to Walter K. Wilson, who Naomi had known from summers spent in Rittman, Ohio when she was a teenager. In August 1995, Naomi married Walter and made her home in Rittman. Walter passed away on July 1, 2018. For over twenty-two years, Naomi enjoyed rich and loving relationships with Walter's family; Bonita (Les) McMillan, Brenda (Mark) Pockell, Allen (Vicki) Wilson, Peggy (Keith) Ramsier, and multiple grand and great grandchildren; relationships that her children and grandchildren still enjoy to this day. 

A keen observer of the natural beauty surrounding her childhood home in West Virginia, Naomi enjoyed spending time outdoors as a child and sharing her memories of the trees, hills, and streams with her family as an adult. She also loved animals; in fact, there was never a cat or dog that she didn’t pet, pamper, or overfeed. But a trait she will always be remembered for is her interest in others. She loved people deeply and was known for her kindness, her hospitality, her humor, and her grace.

Naomi was a Christian who found peace in the promises of Christ. Her greatest wish was for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to know His love. While the world may seem a little dimmer without Naomi, the legacy of love and laughter that she exhibited lives on through her family. She will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Naomi's life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 1:30 pm, at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery at 621 W. Long Lake Road in Troy, Michigan.