Naoma E. (Piper) Walden, 91, of Olney, Illinois, died on Monday, May 10, 2021 at Helia Healthcare of Olney. Naoma was born on November 17, 1929 in Rafetown, IL, the daughter of Lewis E. Piper and Mayme E. (Hill). Later she married Leslie L. "Shorty" Walden on March 27, 1949 at the United Brethern Church in Olney, and he preceded her in death on October 30, 2015.

Naoma was a wife, mother, and grandmother but above all else she was a strong Christian woman who loved life and her family. She enjoyed crocheting, crafting Christmas baskets for Women's Weekly Fellowship, camping with her husband, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. At age 14, Naoma moved to Olney to live with her grandmother so that she could attend high school. She graduated Olney Township High School in 1947. She met her future husband, Leslie "Shorty" Walden, while delivering cream cans to Prairie Farms every week. They were married on March 27, 1947 at United Brethren Church in Olney. They were married 66 years before his passing on October 30, 2015. Naoma worked at the Richland County Courthouse for 18 years and was elected to two terms as the first female County Treasurer in Richland County in 1970 and 1974. She was an active member of the Immanuel United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and Women's Weekly Fellowship.

Naoma is survived by her son, Wayne Walden and wife Mary Lou of Mt. Carmel, son, Steven Walden and wife Venita of Westfield, IN, and son, John Walden of Olney; grandchildren, Judith Ann (A.J.) Williams, Chris (Allison) Walden, Chad (Sarah) Walden, Shannon (Dusty) Baker, and Dylan (Chelsea) Walden; great grandchildren, Jack, Emily, and Charlie Williams, Hadleigh and Hampton Walden, Ely and Stella Walden, Raleigh Baker, and one on the way this summer; in-laws, Bill and Ruby Walden; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant brother, Joe Piper; and great grandchildren, Teigan and Tinsley Walden.

Funeral Service held at Kistler Patterson Funeral Home in Olney. Interment at Crest Haven Memorial Park.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL – May 11, 2021