Naomi Ruth Cahlander

Naomi Ruth Cahlander, a girl from Kansas who traveled the world and settled in Ohio to raise a loving family, passed on Nov. 28, 2022. Born Dec. 23, 1926, in Elgin, KS to Tom and Ruth Fralick.

Naomi went on to graduate from Howard High School and, bucking the trend of most women in her era, earned a degree from Kansas State University in 1948. She went on to build a career in the travel industry, which took her first to Dallas and then San Francisco, where she would meet her future husband, John Cahlander, who she was married to for more than 40 years. Their careers brought them to Cincinnati and eventually Troy, Ohio, where they would both retire.

An expert pianist who enjoyed playing Christmas carols during family gatherings, her dexterity translated to skill at craftwork such as needlepoint and especially knitting, which she deployed in abundance to make cat blankets and toys to benefit the Cat Welfare shelter in Columbus. More than anything, Naomi loved her family and provided nurturing and guidance to her children throughout their lives, no matter where in the world they ventured. That included extensive travels, such as trips to Indonesia to visit her son, Europe, South America and across the U.S.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Kerri, and husband John. Naomi is survived by son Kevin and wife Liz, son Kent and wife Cheryl, and grandchildren Jon, Micki and Kelley.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in her name may be made to one’s favorite causes.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.