Naomi Irene Coats

Naomi Irene Coats, 81, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026. She was born on March 31, 1944, in Green Center, Indiana, to the late Teddy and Carnie (Herron) Pippenger. Naomi spent most of her life in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

Naomi worked for more than 20 years in the manufacturing industry as an assembler at Magnavox in Fort Wayne before retiring. After retirement, she continued sharing her caring nature by babysitting, something she greatly enjoyed. Her nurturing spirit and love for children were evident to all who knew her.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Naomi was a longtime member of Calvary Temple, where she faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher for many years. She later attended The Ridge Church.

Naomi truly loved being a homemaker. She found joy in canning and freezing corn and was known for welcoming family and friends into her home. Above all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and happiness.

Naomi is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Paul D. Coats; daughter, Debra Guy; three sons, Craig (Robin) Coats, Tim (Beth) Coats and Jeremy Coats; eleven grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren; her siblings, Ted Pippenger, Ruth (Gene) Pressler, and James (Carolyn) Pippenger; along with many loving family members and friends who will dearly miss her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Teddy and Carnie Pippenger; and her siblings, Dan Pippenger, David Pippenger, Ester Anderson, Phillip Pippenger, Paul Pippenger, and Dorcas Pressler.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sheets and Childs Funeral Home, 16830 Lima Road, Huntertown, IN 46748, with calling one hour prior to the service. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sheets and Childs Funeral Home, 206 N. Main Street, Churubusco, IN 46723.

Memorial donations may be made in Naomi's honor to The Ridge.

Naomi's kindness, faith, and love for her family will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.