Naomi Gourley

Naomi Mae Rayhons, 1933-2010

February 10, 2010

Naomi Mae Rayhons, 76, of Ventura, died on Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, February 6, at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with the Reverend John R. Tilp officiating. A scriptural wake service was held on Friday, February 5, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel. Interment was in the St. Boniface Cemetery, Garner. The Family suggests memorials to the Naomi Mae Rayhons memorial fund or a memorial of your choice.

Naomi was born on October 29, 1933 in Garner, the daughter of Russell Wesley and Elsie Marie (Woods) Rasmuson. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1951. Naomi married James William Gourley in 1954. From this union three sons were born, Rick, Rusty and Tracy. During this time Naomi worked on the family farm in Corwith.

She worked as a switchboard operator in Garner and later was secretary for the Kossuth County Superintendent of Schools in Algona. She then worked for the Chuck Behr Trailer Farm as a bookkeeper in Algona. In the late 1970's, she owned her Real Estate Company, American Realty in Mason City and later Naomi’s Realty in Ventura, Iowa. She loved the real estate business and helping people purchase their dream homes. Naomi especially enjoyed helping others and truly had a servant's heart. She spent many hours ministering to others.

Naomi married Frank Rayhons Jr. on July 5, 1990 in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Naomi enjoyed reading the bible, bible study, flowers and especially being with her family. Naomi's grandchildren loved her cooking, especially her Special K bars and her baked beans.

Naomi was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Clear Lake Multiple Listings.

Naomi is survived by her husband, Frank Rayhons Jr. of Ventura; two sons, Rusty Gourley of Elmore, Minnesota and Tracy Gourley and his wife, Penny of Mason City; step-children, Randy Rayhons and his wife, Karen of Ventura, Scot Rayhons and his friend, Barb Dugan of Ventura, Pam Adams of Sioux City, Gina Britt and her husband, Bevyn of Ventura, Kelli Rejniak and her husband, Matt of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Paige Snyder and her husband, Russ of Alta and Polly Wolterman and her husband, Jeff of Newell, Iowa; seven grandchildren; fifteen step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Louise Rasmuson of Garner; and a brother, Jack Sandberg and his wife, Alvera of Newton, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Richard James Gourley; two sisters, Sandra Johnson and Sharon DeKruif; and a brother, Richard Rasmuson.

The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was responsible for the arrangements. ©The Garner Leader & Signal 2010