Cruising to 90!

          Cruising to 90 !

Annette’s mother, Naomi Stone turned 90 on Dec 20, 2024. To celebrate, her children took her on a Caribbean cruise this March. Eight of her 9 children and those with companions all joined her. (see attached pictures) Naomi’s life has been however, anything but a pleasure cruise!

Naomi was born number 9 of 9 children to Francis Louis Phipps and Nellie Clark. Born on Dec. 20,1934, she was 11 years younger than her next youngest sibling, so in many ways, Naomi felt like an only child.

She grew up in Ogden, Utah and attended Mound Fort Jr high school where she met Dennis Stone. They soon became sweethearts and married the fall after graduation from Ogden High school on Nov. 4,1953 in the Salt Lake Temple.  On May 26,1955, their first-born Annette joined the family, followed by- Bruce, Carolyn, Dale, Denise, Renae, Sharon, Michelle and Chad.

Naomi was a very busy mother raising her 9 children but still found time to serve in the church. Once Chad started school, she took employment at a doctor's office where she worked for 19 years then later at the Weber State bookstore for another 10 years. After Naomi’s mother died in 1970, it wasn’t long before her father required more care, so he moved into the Stone household where he was loved and cared for until his death in 1976. A few years later Naomi was called to serve a mission to the Beehive house and the church office building in Salt Lake City.  Every Friday morning at 6 am she would drive to Odgen and catch the Front Runner (train) to Salt Lake, work for 4 hours then catch the train back to Ogden and arrive back home around 4 pm, for 27 years!

Among her many talents is candy making. Hand dipped chocolates have been her specialty forever. Her 9 children and spouses, 33 grandchildren, approx. 70 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great granddaughters all adore her! Her smile is contagious, and she is dearly loved by all who are fortunate to know her. 

It's been fun to cruise with you on part of your journey to 90 years Naomi!

May you keep cruising for many more!

 

Much Love- The Grandparent Chronicles