Obituary of Ethel Naomi Hargett

On July 8, 2020, Ethel Naomi Hargett passed away at the age of 83 in Lacey, Washington. Naomi was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, loved and embraced through her final moments. The people in and throughout her life referred to her by many names, from mom to wife, sister to cousin to friend, Dude to Queen Bee, Granny to GiGi.  Her identities reflect the countless ways she was connected to those around her. She fiercely loved her family and friends, and never missed an opportunity to show or tell them just how much they meant to her.

 

Naomi was born April 26, 1937 to Nanny Lou and Willie Rodgers in Bolivar, Tennessee.  She moved to Washington in 1966 and was a longtime resident of Tenino.  She had lived in Lacey since 2007, and also resided in Memphis, Tennessee, Hammond, Indiana, and Mazatlan, Mexico.

 

After growing up together as neighbors, Kenneth Hargett and Naomi vowed to be partners in crime for life on October 3, 1959. With two children from a previous marriage, and creating four children together, their home was never absent of laughter and love.  Ken and Naomi were a force to be reckoned with.  Best friends since childhood, they shared a love of relaxation and a lifetime of adventures, often spending periods of several months exploring the world in their motorhome, and taking up residence in Mazatlan, Mexico during the Fall and Winter months. Their travels were always evident by their permanent, sun-kissed skin and never ending supply of tanning oil. Following the death of her beloved husband in 2009, Naomi remained a full time resident in Lacey, Washington. 

Naomi worked for Weyerhaeuser, from which she retired. She was a member of the Eagles Club and VFW.

 

She also held her cosmetology license for her entire life and was eager to grab her beauty tools for anyone that asked.  It was Naomi’s sense of fashion and beauty that set the standard for those around her. There was never a shortage of leopard print clothing in her wardrobe, and she always had perfectly manicured hands. Golden rings filled most of her petite, fragile fingers, and jewels and gemstones could be found on many of her day to day accessories. She loved Elvis Presley decor (she went to high school with him).

 

One of Naomi’s favorite pastimes was filling the bellies of those she loved with delicious meals. Her skills in the kitchen provided her family and friends with the world’s best lasagna and banana pudding. 

 

Above all the things she loved in life, Naomi cherished her family, and adored being a Gigi and Granny to many beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she had an outpouring of pride for. Her home was filled with photographs of every face of every family member, during every phase of their life.

 

Naomi will forever be remembered by her bright and warm smile, a smile that welcomed and attracted anyone in the room. Her laughter was contagious, and she was always quick to share compliments and stories to anyone at her side. 

 

She is survived by her sons, Kevin (Karen), Todd (Wendy), Kelly (Annette), and Mark (Tina); daughters, Denise and Lisa; grandchildren, Bennett, Spencer, Erin, Zach, Kory, Mark, Molly, Tatiana, Bill, Bryce, Ashley, KJ, Katelynn, Gwendolynn, Jamie, Jodie, Josh, Christopher, Michael; and great grandchildren, Izobelle, Veda, Lolo, Danika, Riley, Jackson, Lilly, Emy, Molly, Nola, Bentley, MaKenna, and Baby France.  She also is survived by her sister, Virginia. 

 

She was predeceased by her husband; parents; brother, Johnny Rodgers; and sister, Jean Busby.

 

Due to health concerns with COVID-19, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ethel Hargett, please visit Tribute Store