Naomi L. Needham

Naomi L. Needham passed peacefully on September 15, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas, with her family by her side. She was born on March 19, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, and lived a life marked by generosity, spirit, and deep devotion to the people she loved most.

Naomi was a woman whose concern for others was always evident. She was loving and generous, spirited in nature, and never one to seek recognition for herself. Instead, she poured her energy into her family, her work, her home, and the simple joys that made life beautiful. Among her proudest accomplishments were her nearly 67 years of marriage and the family she cherished so deeply.

Her working life reflected both determination and versatility. Naomi attended cosmetology school, became a hair stylist, and owned her own salon for many years. She later served as an office manager and co-owner for ICI Manufacturing, and she was also a co-owner and operator of JEN-D Ranch. In every role, she brought dedication, care, and a steady presence.

Naomi found happiness in the things that made a house feel warm and welcoming and a life feel full. She enjoyed making artificial floral arrangements, crochet, decorating, gardening, and bird watching. She especially loved feeding geese, and she had a special fondness for cats and cows. She also loved cooking a good meal and spending time serving at the church coffee shop, where her kindness and servant’s heart could shine in everyday ways.

Nothing meant more to Naomi than her family. She is survived by her children, Jackie Needham and her husband David Walter, Duane Needham and his wife Donna, David Needham and his wife Tammi, and Chris Needham and his wife Elizabeth. She also leaves behind a large and beloved family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were a constant source of pride and joy.

Through her daughter Jackie’s family, she is remembered by Taylor Eckert and her husband Jordan, and by their children Eme, Ethan, and Ellaire Eckert.

Through her son Duane’s family, Naomi is remembered by Melissa McClung and her husband Tim, and by their children, Eoin and Elias McClung; by Alex Needham and his wife Ryane, and by their children Audra, Joel, Marcus, Isaac, and Naomi Needham; and by Samuel Needham and his wife Erica, and their children Norah, Maverick, Eleanor, and Everett Needham.

Through her son David’s family, she is remembered by Dani Finley and her husband Andrew, and by their children Luke, Joanna, Natalie, and Nathan Finley; by Victoria Haddock and her husband Cody, and by their children Hayden, Hannah, Hudson, and Hailey Haddock; by Dylan Needham; by Allie Spurgeon and Tayla Jones; and by Ashley Kelbe and her husband Kevin.

Through her son Chris’s family, she is remembered by Madison Needham.

Naomi is also survived by her nephews, Mike Wikle and Kenny Long, along with the many loved ones and generations of family who will continue to carry her memory forward with affection and gratitude.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ellis Needham; her father, Earl Wikle Sr.; her mother, Sue & Jack Oliver, and her three sisters and two brothers.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66610. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Southwest Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 Southwest 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

Naomi’s life was one of service, warmth, and enduring love. She will be remembered in blooming gardens with birds gathered nearby, in meals shared around the table, and most of all in the hearts of the family she treasured so completely.

Memorial Contributions may be given to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Tunnels to Towers.