Naoma Martha Drechsel Hansen, born November 1, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah: passed away at her home at the age of 91 on February 2, 2016. Naoma's parents were Gus and Martha Drechsel. She was the fourth of five children including: Helen, Roy, Lionel and Juanita. Naoma Graduated from West High School, where she served as Secretary of the Student Body. Following the 2nd World War, Naoma married Russell Hansen on March 2, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. They raised 5 children: Kent, Kathleen (Wade Noble), Marsha (Rod Nelson), Ross and Alisa (Paul Canova). They also welcomed 3 foster daughters into their home, as part of the Indian Placement Program: Virginia Pelt, Juanita Denny and Anita Jones (Leak). Russell and Naoma raised their children in Utah, Idaho and California. Naoma was active in local politics and civic organizations, including being District Registrar, encouraging and helping people register to vote, for 17 years. She also was President of the Volunteer Auxiliary Organization at the Primary children's hospital and served on the board for 25 years. Naoma's skill as a secretary led her into many part-time situations, all of which she greatly enjoyed. One of her favorite "jobs" was that of Beehive House Hostess, where she led tours on a weekly basis through Brigham Young's home.
As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Naoma served in many positions in the Primary, Sunday School, Relief Society and young Women's Organizations. Following Russell's retirement, she served with her husband as senior missionaries in Guadalajara, Mexico and Barbados, West Indies. Her later years were spent enjoying and loving her family, for which she will always be remembered and greatly loved.
Naomais survived by her sister Juanita (Skolmoski), and all her five children, 23 grandchildren, and 39 great grandchildren.
Family visitation will be on Friday night from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. at the LDS Church at 3460 E. Millstream Dr. (3510 South). Funeral Services will be at 12:00 Noon at the LDS Church on Millstream Dr., followed by internment at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery 2350 E. 1300 S.
