Naomi G. Ballmer, 87, Fort Recovery, died Jan. 19, 2013, at The Gardens at Celina.

She was born Aug. 13, 1925, in Rochester, Mich., to Clayton Bearinger and Almeda Swain. On Aug. 23, 1947, she married in Fayette, the Rev. Verl Ballmer, who survives

Surviving are three daughters, Pam (Tom) Weekly of Nashville, Tenn., Deborah (Don) Neal of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Denise Kay (Gene Dooley) of Orlando, Fla.; two sons, John (Brenda) Ballmer of Findlay and Dan (Tracy) Ballmer of Columbus; two sisters, Mary Hasemeyer of Rockford, Ill., and Janet (David) Knotts of Anderson, Ind.; a brother, Bernard Bearinger of Midland, Mich.; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Also deceased are her brother, Bill Bearinger, and sisters, Fonda Dickerson and Pauline Poole.

She attended Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Ill. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, Fort Recovery, where she and her husband pastored for 20 years, dedicating themselves to the church ministry. During their years of service to the congregation, she played an active role in the life of the church. She was a Sunday School teacher, teaching every age from infants to senior citizens. She used her musical talents to lead the congregational singing, direct the church choir and often sang solos or joined with others to sing in praise and worship.

At home, she loved to bake cookies, pies and treats for her family and friends. In recent years she enjoyed making aprons, and it was a special treat to receive an apron as a gift from Naomi. She regularly attended a women's weekly Bible study group and frequently prayed with and for her family, friends and those in need. Her prayers will be missed by those who were blessed to love and know her.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Church of the Nazarene, Fort Recovery, Dr. John Bowling and Rev. Dennis Kelley officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery, Fort Recovery.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Nazarene Family Center, Fort Recovery, and 9-10:15 a.m. Thursday at the Church of the Nazarene, Fort Recovery.

An endowment fund supporting student scholarships at Olivet Nazarene University has been established. Contribution checks to the ONU Rev. Verl and Naomi Ballmer Endowment Fund can be given at the visitation or mailed to Becky Kelsey, Olivet Nazarene University, One University Ave., Bourbonnais, Ill., 60914.

Condolences may be left at www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.