Naomi Hunt

With an insatiable curiosity about life and a thirst for learning new things that never ran dry, Naomi Hunt lived a vibrant life full of few regrets. She accomplished so much of which to be proud, yet she was a humble woman who used her talents to greatly enrich the world around her. Naomi traveled much of the world, taking in so much of what life has to offer. She built a successful career working alongside some of the most influential women in our nation’s history to help preserve the beauty of some of our world’s most magnificent places. Naomi leaves behind a brilliant mosaic of memories that will be a lasting treasure for generations to come.

The early part of the 1900s were a time of struggle in America as we dealt with issues such as unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws while WWI enveloped our nation in 1917. The perils of war are never easy, but the year 1919 was a year to remember as the end of the war left America recognized as a world leader while the eyes of the world looked to us to set the pace for what was to come. This year also brought great joy to one couple from Battle Creek, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on February 9th. Naomi was one of five children born to her parents, William Henry Jr. and Hildur (Olson) Hunt, and she was raised in the family home alongside her two brothers, John and Norman, and her two sisters, Ruth and Coranell. Her parents were both nurses and worked hard to support and care for their family.

In many ways Naomi experienced a childhood that was rather typical for young people of her generation. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Burlington during her earliest years and went on to graduate from high school in Battle Creek in 1936. A firm believer in education, Naomi attended the University Without Walls in Denver, Colorado, where she focused her studies on professional writing.

With her sights focused on building a successful career, Naomi began to work for the National Parks Department in Washington, D.C. in 1960. She worked with Lady Bird Johnson and Mrs. Kennedy on the beautification of the National Parks Project. Although much of Naomi’s time with these incredible women was focused on their work, she was delighted to have tea with Jackie O. During this time she also worked as a writer and analyst for the Executive Office of the President of the United States. Naomi’s work required extensive travel to various areas throughout the United States in order to prepare replies for the White House. Naomi’s service to the White House spanned from 1954 through much of 1963. She eventually became the editor of the National Parks Magazine. Although she retired in 1985, Naomi continued researching and writing for the National Parks Department, often spending months on location doing research.

Throughout her life Naomi enjoyed a diverse palette of interests that greatly enriched her life. She travelled extensively not only through her career, but also for pleasure and educational purposes. Over the years her travels took her to 36 states, more than 100 national parks, and 10 foreign countries including Sweden on three separate occasions. Naomi also lived in Lebanon for three months and often said,” I was born with sand in my shoes,” to playfully describe her globe-trotting lifestyle. Although she never married or had her own children, she treasured the companionship of her cat, Bravo, and when she was relaxing at home she could often be found weaving or reading.

An extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life, Naomi Hunt made a significant impact in the world around her. She was a dynamic and independent woman who believed in working hard to achieve great things. One of Naomi’s most common questions was, “Success or failure?” When applying this question to her own life she always said that she experienced both failure and success, but celebrated having few regrets. Naomi fully embraced each day she was given while bringing such beauty around the world to be enjoyed by all. She will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind.

Naomi Hunt of Plainwell died on December 25, 2011, at Plainwell Pines. Naomi’s family includes her nieces and nephews: Janice Zantjer, Eugene (Clarence) Zantjer, Matt (Deb) Hunt, Dave (Julie) Hunt and Nathan (Jen) Hunt. Naomi was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: John, Norman, Ruth, and Coranell. Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday at her home; 443 103rd Ave. Plainwell from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Please visit Naomi’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to The National Parks Service at http://www.nationalparks.org/. The family was assisted by Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell (685-5881).