Naomi A. Russell

Obituary

Naomi Anne Russell passed away on December 4th, 2025 in Edina, Minnesota and was surrounded by family as she entered Christ’s arms. A beloved mother, wife, daughter, and sister, Naomi was born on November 6th, 1963 in Moorhead, Minnesota to Doug and Joan Gorder. Naomi was determined to be a fighter as a micro-preemie at birth and carried that tenacity with her throughout her lifetime. 

Naomi was an avid entrepreneur and had enthusiasm for community arts. She combined her love of quilting with the arts by bringing the Barn Quilts to Carver County through an open-air art gallery showcasing painted quilt squares on historic barns. Naomi served as a Community Partnership Specialist for Eastern Carver County Schools and enjoyed fostering meaningful relationships while bringing the community together through local events.

On October 17th, 1987, Naomi married her high school sweetheart, James Russell. They were blessed to raise their three children, James Douglas, Noelle Christine, and Caroline Anne Russell in Waconia, Minnesota where they both grew up. Having been married for thirty-one years, Jim and Naomi were never happier than when they were with each other and were a true testament to what it means to love and be loved. Naomi cherished every moment spent with her family. Whether it was creating heirloom quilts, sewing, knitting, cooking, or baking sourdough bread, she enjoyed sharing her passions with her loved ones. 

Naomi embodied beauty, softness, and strength all at the same time. Her kids will remember her for always being their biggest advocate, for making the small moments matter, and becoming their best friend as they grew into adulthood. Having been deeply rooted in faith, it brings her family comfort to know that she is reunited with her soulmate in her eternal life. We imagine Naomi to be forevermore flying beside Jim in his Cessna 152 and will think of them and the love they shared every time we see a rainbow in the countryside. We’ll know Naomi is with us whenever we catch a glimpse of an orchid flower or see a perfectly placed polka dot pattern on a quilt, and remind ourselves that every day can be an adventure if you let it.

Naomi was preceded in death by her husband, James B. Russell; mother, Joan Quam; grandparents Dwight and Ethel Quam, and Clarence and Ruth Gorder. 

Naomi is survived by her children James D. (Sharayah) Russell, Noelle (William) Jaglo, and Caroline Russell; father Doug (Mary) Gorder; siblings Sarah (Dana) Storch, Nate (Rita) Gorder, Elizabeth Mainz (Drew LaFave); grandchildren Scarlett and Willow Russell, and Luca Jaglo, as well as many other family members and friends. 

"Let's go on an adventure today." - Naomi

A private family burial was held and a party in Naomi’s honor will be hosted at J. Carver Distillery in Waconia on January 24th from 11 am - 2 pm. Lunch will be provided during the open house gathering. Share a drink and a memory with the family at the distillery, or mail a memorial to 712 Vista Blvd, Suite 130, Waconia, MN 55387.