Naomi Lingwood

Martha “Naomi” Lingwood, 91, was born on April 4, 1930. She was the 7th of eight children raised in rural Oklahoma. Mom moved to Wichita as a young woman, and through hard work and determination, built a full life that was rich with friends, adventure, and shenanigans. She met and married Douglas Lingwood, and together they had two children, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild, of whom she was fiercely proud.

Mom worked as a restaurant server (she would say waitress) at the West Shack for many years, and became a co-owner of the Breakfast Club in her “retirement.” She frequently worked double shifts, and her hard earned wages kept the family afloat while her husband built his electrical contracting business.

While mom was a hard worker, she also played hard and gave her time freely to help others. She loved camping, water skiing, bowling, gardening, travel, and a host of crafts. She was a master of crocheting and without a pattern created intricate lace tablecloths that have become family heirlooms. Although Mom worked full time, she made time to be an assistant Girl Scout leader, room parent, Little League Scorekeeper, and Den Mother. After her children were grown she volunteered at the Lord’s Diner, the Wichita Jazz Festival, as a Rocker in the maternity ward at Wesley Hospital, and as an election poll worker.

Mom was a force to be reckoned with! Whether it was work, play, love, or ‘debate,’ she took on life with an intensity, determination and energy that was unparalleled. She was not shy about sharing her thoughts on any situation, and she lived life by her rules. Even though she could be ornery, Mom had a magical way of attracting people and they loved her, even if she was giving them a big piece of her mind. When you met her, you never forgot her.

Mom is predeceased by her husband, Douglas, and grandson Korey, in addition to her parents and many siblings. She is survived by her daughter Maureen (Jonathan) Goering, son David Lingwood, grandchildren Ian and Emily Goering (Brendan) O’Donnell, and great grand-daughter Dorothy (Dot) O’Donnell. Mom is also loved and will be missed by many dear friends and extended family near and far. A special thank you to the incredible team of caregivers that tenderly cared for her during the last 18 months of her life.

An informal gathering for friends and family will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 24th at the Cozine Life Events Center, 11500 E. 21st. St. N., Wichita, KS. The family respectfully requests that those who attend wear masks even if vaccinated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, the Lord’s Diner, Premier Living by Warden, or Serenity Hospice.