NAOMI GHENT MCCALLISTER

ORAN - Naomi Ghent McCallister of Oran, 84, died Tuesday morning, Sept. 28, 1999, in Branson, while traveling with her daughters, Raona Miller Hentz of Poplar Bluff, Stephanie McCallister Turek of Fenton and her sister, Sue Wornica of Oran.

She was born on Feb. 20, 1915, in Oran, to Anna Kathryn and Grover Cleveland Ghent, who preceded her in death.

On Oct. 25, 1947, she married Ebon Andrew McCallister, who preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1994.

Also surviving are her son-in-law, Dennis Turek; grandchildren (to whom she was known as "Nonnie"), Robert (Maureen) Hentz of Kansas City, Kurt (Suzanne) Hentz of St. Louis, Kathryn Hentz of Milwaukee, Wis., Rory Hentz of Bismark, N.D., Kristen Hentz (Randy) Doepke of Chicago, Ill., Shannon Hentz (Tim) Kieny of Memphis, Tenn., and Christopher and Jonathan Turek of Fenton; and nine great-grandchildren.

Also preceding her in death were a sister, Virginia Mae Harder; her brother, Grover Cleveland Ghent Jr.; son-in-law, William G. Hentz; and grandson, Rick A. Hentz.

She was elected to nine two-year terms as city collector of Oran and served until 1974. After this, she worked with other citizens to set up a non-profit corporation for the purpose of securing rental property for senior citizens. She was a charter member of that board of directors, also serving as its secretary and treasurer. Later, she was appointed executive secretary of the reestablished Housing Authority of Oran. When the federal government mandated a planning and zoning commission for Oran, she prepared the grant application and became the commission secretary.

She enjoyed planning of and participating in all activities of her community, including its first Christmas decorations and Centennial planning. She was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 45 years. She received both their Past Achievement and Woman of the Year awards.

A member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church, Naomi was a past president of the Guardian Angel Parish Council, was church treasurer for many years and a member of St. Ann's Sodality. She was a past member of the Oran Library Board.

In 1932-33 she was captain of the championship Oran Eagles basketball team and was named to Missouri and Northern Arkansas all-star teams.

She enjoyed traveling with her family, reading, playing bridge and was a member of the Oran/Painton Bridge Club for more than 50 years.

Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Friday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran, where a prayer vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran by the Rev. Frederick J. Lutz of St. Joseph's Parish in Advance. The Rev. Michael V. McDevitt of Sacred Heart Parish in Poplar Bluff will serve as concelebrate.

Burial will follow in Guardian Angel Catholic Cemetery.