Naomi Ruth Stallins

On May 11, 2024, Naomi Ruth McKnight Stallins, age 97 of Dawson Springs, KY, passed away peacefully sleeping next to the love of her life and husband of almost 78 years, Deward.   

During her 97 years on this earth, Naomi made an impact on every person she met and was a beloved figure in the Dawson Springs community.  She was a spitfire with a heart of gold and had an unparalleled ability to connect with those around her.  When we say “she never met a stranger,” we mean she never met a stranger!   Naomi loved to talk, not just for the sake of talking, but because she wanted to know you.  She kept meticulous records of dates and important (and mundane) events about every person in her life just so she could call or send you a card so you would know you were loved and on her mind.  When Naomi told you she was praying for you, she meant it.  For decades, she woke up every day at 3:00 A.M. to make her famous sourdough bread, read her Upper Room devotional book and pray.   She did these small, but powerful, gestures of love every day until her health no longer allowed her to do so.  Even when her health began to fail she would pray and remained strong in her love for the Lord.

Her love for her community was nothing compared to her love for her family, most importantly for her husband Deward, with whom she would have celebrated 78 years of marriage this July.   Deward always recounts the time he first saw “that freckle faced girl” with a sparkle in his eyes even after a lifetime together.  Their love story spanned decades, navigating world events, loss and triumphs, pain and joy.   Their love for each other never wavered.   Whether she was supporting him through an illness, or simply nagging him to wear his ballcap on a cold day, she was his everything and he was hers.

Though it is clear why we mourn her loss on Earth, we rejoice in her heavenly reunion with those who preceded in death:  her parents ~ Garrett McKnight and Ruth Franklin McKnight; a son ~ John Richard Stallins; little brother ~ Billy Wilbur “Bill” McKnight; her nephew ~ Wade McKnight; her granddaughter ~ Tara (Stallins) Kimmel and countless other family members, friends and loved ones.

She is survived by her loving and faithful husband of 77 years ~ Deward Stallins; her son ~ Grei Hinsen; niece ~ Julie McKnight Scheving; great-granddaughters ~ Kaitlin Stallins and Ashlynn (Damon) McKinney; caregiver and lifelong friend ~ Shelia (Wes) Ausenbaugh; her second family ~ the First United Methodist Church Congregation; great-nieces ~ Erin McKnight, Jenna (Jeremy) Stromose, Bonnie (Collin) Vincent, and Rachel (Chris) Labelle; great-nephew ~ Will (Katie) Scheving; great-grandson ~ Chase McKinney; great-great-nieces ~ Myra, Sammie and Emma; great-great-nephews ~ Nolan and Evan; niece-in-law ~ Barbara McKnight and countless more loved ones who will miss her.  

We would also like to thank the medical staff and community members who assisted in Naomi’s care in her final years.  

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to:
 First United Methodist Church in Dawson Springs
 107 E. Keigan Street
 Dawson Springs, KY 42408
 where Naomi was a lifelong member and where she devoted her life to serving Christ.

A memorial service will be held for Naomi McKnight Stallins at a later date.