NAOMI HARPER MCKINNEY's Obituary
McKinney, Naomi Harper Bell, 87, died peacefully at her Miami home on February 18, 2018, with her daughters and sons-in-law by her bedside. All of her life, Naomi turned heads when she walked into a room; she exuded beauty and charm, and possessed an infectious joie de vivre. She took great pleasure in having a glass of champagne with her
friends, loved playing a weekly game of bridge or losing herself in a good book. Her rose garden and her little dog gave her great joy. But nothing pleased her more than spending time with her daughters and their friends, most of whom affectionately called her "Ma." She spared them all no bit of loving advice or encouragement. And she told it like it was!
Naomi adored her children and grandchildren. She gave them more than her abiding love; she gave them her passionate appreciation for beauty and art, she taught them kindness above all else and acceptance of all people. Naomi is predeceased by her first husband, James Bell, and second husband, E.B. McKinney. She is survived by her daughter, Naomi Bell Brutlag and son-in-law Larry Brutlag and their children, Linnea Brutlag, Brad Brutlag and Lisel Brutlag Ruterbories and Dan Ruterbories. Her daughter, Lisille Bell Matheson and son-in-law, J. Henry Matheson and their children, Harper Bell Matheson and Robert Schiff,
and William (Hank) Matheson. She leaves her darling great-grandchildren, Grace and Teddy Ruterbories and Roxanne Schiff, who will forever hear the happy stories of a much-beloved great grandmother. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156 where Naomi was a long-time volunteer and passionate supporter. A Mass will be held March 6th, Tuesday, 11:00 AM at Church of the Little Flower.
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