Naomi Janice VanPelt, 84, of Lapwai, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Lewiston.

Naomi was born Jan. 10, 1935, in Kamiah, to Mose VanPelt and Nellie Ezekiel-Gray.

She attended school at Stites Elementary, later attending schools in Springfield, Ore., Pendleton, Ore., and Glasgow, Mont.

She held many jobs throughout the Nez Perce Tribe, working in administration, at the marina and some housekeeping positions.

Naomi's biggest impact in life was her faith. She was a member of the 1910 Shaker Church, but also attended Pentecostal, Seven Drum, Bible study and attended the annual Lapwai Church Camp meeting. She often led Shaker meetings in her home and attended others in the community. She was often called upon to pray for family and friends, or for anyone who asked her to pray for them.

She married Frank Scott, and they later divorced.

Naomi is survived by her brothers, Silas Whitman and Robert Ezekiel; sister Charlene VanPelt; daughters Donna LeClaire, Laurie Bob McMasters, Amelia Spaulding and Jennette Scott; sons Thomas LeClaire and Arnold VanPelt; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Gail VanPelt; sons Louis and Watkins LeClaire, and Jack and Wilber Spaulding; and grandsons Ira and Mose Elwell.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. today at the Pi Nee Waus Community Center in Lapwai.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to Lapwai Camp Meeting Association at Lewis Clark Credit Union.