Naomi June Grist

Naomi June Grist was born May 18, 1925 in Wichita, Kansas to Valma and Arden Pond. She passed away peacefully at Vista Grande Skilled Nursing in Cortez, Colorado on December 22, 2022. June, Juney or Junebug, as others referred to her, was 97 years old. She will be remembered for her love of the Lord and devotion to her family, and compassion for others. June was spunky, spirited, creative and smart. An avid quilter, knitter and crafter. She loved Nature, camping and going on drives.

During her youth, June and family lived in Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado where her father had jobs as a watchmaker. She loved her time in all states but especially the plains of Kansas and mountains of Colorado.

June attended elementary schools in Enid, Denver, Colorado Springs and Wichita before moving to El Dorado, Kansas where she graduated in 1943. She graduated from El Dorado Junior College, attended one year in Wichita State University and then graduated with a degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas in 1948. June also obtained her Real Estate license in Oklahoma in 1971 and Broker’s license in 1974.

It was in El Dorado that June met Warren. He would come over on his bicycle with his newspapers in a canvas bag on the handlebars and sit on his bike while folding the papers and get them ready for delivery, June kept him company. Thus began their courtship that lasted while Warren was stationed in the South Pacific during the war.

They were married in 1947 for 68 years. Their union brought 3 children: Bill (1951) Tom (1953) and Barbara (1956). French Fulbright exchange student Philippe Clouard (in 1966) was also like a son to June and Warren and like a brother to their children.

June and Warren lived in many places where Warren’s engineering jobs took them. In later years they spent time near each of the 3 children and siblings Ardena (June) and Ruth and Anna (Warren). which took them to Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas. When Warren died in 2015 June moved to Cortez, Colorado to be near her daughter Barbara and halfway between both sons.

June was preceded in death by parents Valma Lipp Pond and Arden L. Pond, and her husband Warren. She is survived by her sister Ardena Merlock, children Bill (Lisa), Tom, and Barbara (Bob), Philippe Clouard (Françoise), grandchildren Ian (Danielle), Evan (Whitney), and Kyle Grist. Kelsey (Avery) Woodard, Arista (John) Feldhauser and Mary (Dan) Raunig plus great-grandchildren William, Eli, Reagan, Charlee, Kimber, Kane, Crosby, Cora, Margo, and Kimber.

There will be a memorial in late spring in Cortez, Colorado and a burial for June and Warren in El Dorado in the summer.

If you wish, memorial gifts may be made to either All Kids Can Learn International, https://www.akclivillageofhope.com/donate or The Salvation Army at your local agency or online at give.salvationarmyusa.org.

Condolences may be left on Naomi June Grist’s online guest book at ertelfuneralhome.com or with the family.