Naomi Tieken Vandolah

Naomi Tieken Vandolah, given the gift of life on March 5, 1940, in Seguin, Texas, was called to death on August 27, 2026 under the care of her daughter in Garfield, Georgia, due to complications related to dementia. She was a woman full of sunshine whose warmth and love touched everyone who knew her.

Naomi was the daughter of the late Roland and Bernyce Tieken. She was baptized into the faith on March 19,1940 and at a very young age, she was diagnosed with polio and received treatment at Gonzales, Warm Springs, a challenge that created a fighting spirit that carried her through life with grace and warmth. She was confirmed in her faith on April 3,1955, graduated from San Marcos High School and went on to attend business school in Austin. On October 17, 1959, she married the love of her life, Melvin Stanley "Jim" Vandolah, and the couple moved to Jim's hometown of Three Forks, Montana. Around 1968, they returned to Texas and settled in Waco, where she attended TSTI for floral design and began her career as a florist.

Naomi had a gift for keeping her hands and heart busy. She loved sewing and embroidering covers for Portals of Prayer and Bible covers. She was happiest watching her grandchildren, cheering on her beloved Spurs, and serving others. Her Christian love shone brightly through her years of teaching Sunday school and serving on the Altar Guild at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she now rests peacefully in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; her brother, Rigdon “Sonny”Tieken; and her sisters, Shirley Amundson, Stacey Vandolah (Pete), and Hulda Mae Kercheville (Jack); and son-in-law, Anton Kenneth Pesak.

Naomi is survived by her brother, Edward Leland Tieken; her daughters, Tina Laurie Pesak, Stanalee Ruth “Thumper” Blackburn (Scott), Willie Deneen Vandolah, and Naomi Grace Holder (Donnie); and her son, Melvin Stanley "Jim" Vandolah II, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family who adored her.

A celebration of life and faith will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waco Texas, on September 5, 2026 at 10am. Followed by a family graveside service at Lone Oak Cemetery in Geronimo, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Christian Education Endowment fund or the Alter Guild at St.Paul Lutheran Church