A Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Naomi Jean Wilder, 83, of Newark, will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 10:30 AM, Thursday, June 17, 2021, with Fr. Anthony Lonzo as celebrant.

She was born on May 17, 1938 in Newark, OH, to the late Howard "Lefty" Elwell and Grace Naomi (Baker) Elwell.

Naomi was a devoted mother and wife, fun-loving friend, and proud Grandma to her 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was an avid sports fan, armchair referee/umpire, and self-proclaimed sports commentator. She leaves behind an empty seat on the 50-yard line at White's Field where she spent decades fiercely cheering on her sons, nephews and grandson in countless Newark Catholic football games, while wearing her lucky socks and nervously watching the scoreboard week after week.

She spent a number of years as the chief dispatcher and Uber driver for family sporting events, all the while tuned in to 97.1 "The Fan," to make sure she didn't miss any of the scoop on her beloved Buckeyes.

Naomi spent 20 years at The Park National Bank with the "Freedom Years" program. She loved socializing with members where she brought lots of sunshine and laughter to their daily interactions. She enjoyed living vicariously through the members' exotic trips, because she was always on the fence when it came to travel. She was more of a homebody who loved Newark and staying put, surrounded by the familiarity of family and friends.

She was an early adopter of the "DIY" movement, and may have put do-it-yourself on the map well before Pinterest was ever a concept. Her project highlights included kitchen rehab and remodeling, annual interior redecorating, and mastery of lawn and garden care. In her world, there were no power tools she feared, and there was nothing beyond her scope of achievement.

Family was the greatest achievement that Naomi was proud of. She made it a point to never miss sending a Birthday card to any of the 48 lucky extended family recipients on her list,  followed by repetitive calls until she was able to connect and personally deliver her "Happy Birthday" song, making sure everyone felt special.

She will be missed by her children Marti (Joe) Otto Cincinnati, OH, Shelli (the late Don) Netko of Mesa, AZ, Todd (Joan) Wilder of Cleveland, OH and Rodney (Jaye) Wilder of Newark, OH; grandchildren, Kate Otto Spitzer, Jenny Otto Webb, Marissa Otto Palmer; Erica Fitzpatrick, Angie Rice, Kim Netko, Hayley Netko Benjamin, Ross Netko, Nathan Wilder, Bryan Wilder; Britton and Evan Wilder; great-grandchildren, Louie, Joseph, Rocco, Harrison, Marshall, Lincoln, Brody, Ava, Bo, Liam, Luke, Drew, and Calvin; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Naomi was preceded in death by her husband Larry "Moosehead" Wilder and siblings Howard "Bud" Elwell, Richard Elwell, Dolores Venditelli, and Jesse Trost.

Friends and family may call at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 4-7 PM, Wednesday, June 16, 2021, where a Vigil Service will be held at 6:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation.