Naomi Ruth Petersheim

Naomi Ruth (Beachy) Petersheim, of Oakland, MD, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Born on October 10, 1949 in Meyersdale, PA, she was the daughter of Ernest and Elizabeth (Yoder) Beachy.

Naomi was baptized at Mountain View Christian Fellowship in her youth, remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life, and was a member of Bittinger Mennonite Church at her time of death.

She was a gentle soul with a quiet servant's heart directed toward her faith and her family, especially her youngest (special-needs) daughter Deborah, for whom she sacrificed countless hours of sleep, events, personal activities, and conversations. Although she was seldom the center of attention, her gracious and sweet spirit quietly left a big impact on many. She consistently supported her late husband Paul in his endeavors serving the church and community, and faithfully carried on their joint legacy of dedication to caring for Deborah until recently, when cancer robbed her of the strength necessary to continue in that.

Those who knew her well may remember her delightful, occasional habit of sticking her foot in her mouth - a poorly-worded comment here or there that, upon utterance, would astonish and mortify her while sending hearers into gales of laughter.

Naomi is survived by 5 of her 6 children; Matthew Petersheim and wife Diana of Kalona, IA, son-in-law Vincent Kauffman (husband of Rachel) of Mill Hall, PA, Michael Petersheim and wife Melissa of Salisbury, PA, Joshua Petersheim and wife Evalina of Harrisonburg, VA, Rebecca Coblentz and husband Kevin of Oakland, and Deborah Petersheim of Oakland; 21 grandchildren; and 5 siblings, Daniel Beachy and wife Emma of Lancaster, PA, Philip Beachy and wife Ruth of Salisbury, PA, brother-in-law Joe Yoder (husband of Dorcas), Anne Tice and husband Daniel of Almeria, Spain/Dover, DE, Mary Jane Yoder and husband Bill of Meyersdale, PA, and Miriam Bruno of West Jefferson, OH.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Elizabeth Beachy, a sister (Dorcas), a daughter (Rachel), and her husband of 46 years (Paul).

Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 1 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM, at the Gortner Amish Church. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10 AM in the church.

The Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes, P.A. - Oakland Chapel is honored to be assisting the Petersheim family.