Naomi Mcelhinney

Naomi J. McElhinney (1916-2007) CEDAR FALLS- Naomi J. McElhinney, 91, of Cedar Falls Western Home died Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Elizabeth Martin Center. She was born June 27, 1916 in Geneseo, daughter of Alden Reen and Irene Burns McElhinney. Naomi graduated from Geneseo High School in 1933 and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from UNI in 1937. Following graduation, she taught high school Business in Dysart, Stanhope, Sioux Center and Geneseo. She was later employed as an executive secretary with KWWL Television and Radio and Latta School Supply. Following her retirement from Latta she worked at Cedar Falls Municipal Utilities. She had been a very active member of Order of Eastern Star. She was Past Worthy Matron of the Cedar Falls Chapter, and earned her 50 year membership status in 1989. She was Grand Marshall in 1976 of the Iowa Grand Chapter OES, and served several times as Grand Chapter committee member. She was a member of the Board of Grand Trustees from 1978-1984; Grand education committee from 1970-1975; and Juris prudence committee from 1986-1987. She received Governors' status of Women in Iowa and served on the advisory board for Hawkeye Community College. As a business professional, she was Past President of Cedar Falls Business and Professional Women three times, and Past District Director and State Recording Secretary for the organization. She had been a member of the Cedar Falls Chapter of National Secretaries, and had served on several advisory boards over the years at UNI. She was a great supporter of Cedar Falls Community Theater, and Sartori Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She served as Treasurer of the Festival of Tree for four years. Naomi is survived by her sister, Janet E. Townsend of Dubuque; two nephews, John Townsend of Ankeny and James Townsend of Fargo, ND; two nieces, Jo Randall of Springfield, IL and Jill Townsend of Dubuque; eight grand nieces and nephews and five great-grand nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Marion Brandt and Margaret Pfleider; and one nephew Kent Pfleider. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls, with burial in Geneseo Cemetery. Public Visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Richardson Funeral Home with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a 7 p.m. Eastern Star memorial service Tuesday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Geneseo United Methodist Church.

Naomi Mcelhinney

June 27, 1916 - December 16, 2007