Naomi Hoopes Ellsworth

With heartfelt gratitude to God for giving us such a wonderful mother, we are saddened to announce the passing of Naomi Hoopes Ellsworth on October 18, 2024. She peacefully passed from this mortal realm with family by her side.

Naomi was born February 12, 1934, to Nat and Ileen Hoopes in Thatcher, AZ. She was the oldest of four children, and her home was filled with love. Growing up she had a great appreciation for life and all that it offered.

She was a very accomplished and motivated woman. Her determination and willpower made her a force to be reckoned with. During her younger years she played the trumpet, participated on the basketball team, was elected as the school salad bowl princess and graduated as the valedictorian of her high school. She went on to get a teaching degree from ASU with Summa Cum Laude distinction.

After graduating, Naomi launched her teaching career in Chandler, Arizona, where she met her adventurous husband, Bill Ellsworth. Married life with Bill was never dull. Together they shared a vibrant life filled with excitement and exploration as Naomi embraced new experiences such as water skiing, target shooting and flying as his trusty passenger. Naomi additionally became his number one cheerleader as she supported and rooted him on in many championship fastpitch softball games. One of her favorite accomplishments was being able to sing with the Singing Mothers at General Conference in Salt Lake City.

As the children started to arrive and their family grew, they shared countless memories of camping trips, picnics, and many competitive card games. Summers often found them at Mount Graham, a place dear to her heart, where Naomi's family owned a cherished cabin. There, they shared outdoor escapades and improved gaming skills with friends and family, creating lifelong bonds.

In Naomi's later years, she discovered her inner strength and resilience. Despite facing numerous trials, she persevered and rediscovered her passion for teaching. She renewed her certification credential and went on to teach in the Mesa School District.

After Bill's passing, Naomi spent 24 years as a devoted widow, dedicating her life to faith and service. Her remarkable accomplishments included serving a mission to Georgia, multiple terms as a Relief Society president, and Young Women ward camp director in her 70s–a testament to her boundless energy! (Relief Society and Young Women church camping always seemed to be a part of her life!)

Even in her 80s, Naomi continued to serve. She often volunteered–funny, remarkable, but true–as a driver. She drove boys scouts around to collect donations, drove individuals to doctor appointments and was the carpool driver for women retreats.

One of Naomi's most significant accomplishments was her weekly temple service where she participated in multiple sessions. Her selflessness also extended to delivering homemade meals to those in need. Her last church calling was making sure the missionaries got fed. This type of noble spirit and commitment you could always count on. Yes, she left the bar high for those following in her footsteps.

Naomi was preceded in death by:

Parents, Nat and Ileen Hoopes

Husband, Edmund William Ellsworth, Jr. (Bill)

Grandson, Kess

Granddaughter, Gretchen

Brother, Jay Hoopes

Sister, Iris McCleve

She is survived by:

Daughters:

Kimberly Van De Graaff (Ken)

Lynne Engh (Paul)

Tammy Gosney (Mark)

DeAnn Kettenring (Larry)

JaNet Schmid (Emile)

Sister, Brenda Adams

27 grandchildren

40 great grandchildren

And 1 great great grandchild

Naomi’s remarkable and shining legacy inspires future generations with her courageous determination, steadfast faith and charitable heart. Her powerful testimony, unwavering love for her Savior, devotion to family, friends and community and her selfless service will be deeply missed by all, yet forever remembered!

A Visitation will be held Friday, November 1, 2024, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary, 14 W. Hulet Drive, Chandler, AZ .

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:00 am with a Viewing from 10:00 - 10:45 am at the Gilbert LDS stake center located on the corner of Lindsey and Elliot, 777 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ.

Burial and dedication of the grave at Mesa City Cemetery following services, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201.