Naomi Sue Fortney (Varner), 91, passed away on December 11th at her home of 74 years following a full and meaningful life. Born in Washington, PA on February 14, 1932, Naomi moved to Belleville in 1946 where she attended high school.

A lifetime active member of the Brighton United Methodist Church, she and her husband Paul were among the original members of the Brighton United Methodist Church's Couples Club, Election Day Swiss Steak Suppers & the church's food booth at the Lorain County Fair.

She was an avid gardener and bird watcher. A well-known local baker, Naomi often made homemade pies for auctions and for Fort's Tavern. Flower arranging was another passion and side business of hers. She loved antiques, auctions, the arts, and theatre.

She had two great loves in her life, her husband Paul (married in 1949) and after becoming a widow earlier than imagined, her companion Toby Kelly, who she met while selling pies at an auction.

Most summers Naomi could be found on a tractor in a tube top, working on the fields and her tan. She was known for out fishing and out shooting her family members and she never came across a cup of coffee that was hot enough.

She was a selfless lady whose passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of her loved ones. Her ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever ingrained in all she knew.

Survivors include a son, Robert Fortney; a granddaughter Stacey (Brad) Barlow andgreat grandsons, Elliot and Everett Barlow. She was preceded in death by her mom, Elizabeth Miller; dad, Dan Varner; step-father Bill Miller; siblings Mary Bedillion, Shirley Wade, Charles Varner, Bernard Varner; husband, Paul; companion, Toby Kelly; son, John Fortney and grandson, John Fortney II.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 7th at Brighton Methodist Church from 2-5 p.m. Contributions in memory of Naomi can be made to Alzheimer's Association. Fond memories and condolences may be given online at: www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.