Naomi Ruth Shockley

Naomi Shockley, 85, formerly of Pleasant Hill, MO passed away Thursday February 29, 2024, at Villa St Francis Nursing Home in Olathe, KS. Funeral services will be 2pm Thursday March 7 at D. W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd. Burial will be in Floral Hills East Cemetery. The chapel will be open for viewing at 1:30pm prior to the funeral.

Naomi was born November 11, 1938, in Leslie, Arkansas to Chester and Lucy Connett.

She was a life-long educator, mentor, colleague, and friend. Naomi earned her bachelor’s degree at Drury College and her master’s degree at the University of Kansas. Throughout her career she taught Spanish to elementary, middle, and high school students in the Raytown Public School District. She was a member of several professional organizations for teachers.

Naomi stayed busy after her retirement. She was a tutor for English as a Second Language and was also a substitute teacher for multiple subjects. One of her favorite memories was a trip to Spain with her students. She worked alongside her husband after they both retired to establish Shockley Gardens, a daylily garden that had over 400 varieties. Naomi became interested in hybridizing daylilies and successfully hybridized a beautiful deep pink variety. She and her husband were members of the Mo-Kan Hemerocallis Society.

She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Raytown, Missouri. Naomi was a kind, soft spoken, generous, and faithful Christian who was supportive and encouraging to those she knew. Family meant a lot to her. She particularly enjoyed conversations with family and friends around the dinner table. Naomi was an avid reader and nature lover. Walking with her dogs was a favorite pastime. She also loved to journal her life experiences.

Naomi leaves to cherish her loving memory two brothers, David Connett (Betty) and James Connett, four nephews, one niece, four great-nephews, seven great-nieces and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her sister Esther Anderson and her parents.

Naomi was passionate about education. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to go to:

P.E.O. Chapter IY

% Rene' Purtee-Treasurer

6424 Evanston

Raytown, MO 64133