Naomi A. (Smith) Dingman 53, a life long resident of Swanzey died on Friday,
May 2, 2014 at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Massachusetts. She passed
peacefully with her family near after a brief period of failing health.
Naomi was born the daughter of Ruth (Wilson) and Howard “Whitey” Smith on
Sept. 24, 1960 in Keene. She was educated locally and graduated from
Monadnock Regional High School class of 1978.
On May 18, 1991 she exchanged vows with Alfred “Al” Dingman Jr. at the First
Congregational Church in Swanzey. They were married with family and friends
in attendance. The Dingman’s have been married for almost 23 years.
Naomi was the secretary and book keeper for the Al Dingman Trucking Company
in Swanzey. She worked side by side with her husband in the family business
for the past twelve years.
In her younger years, she traveled with her family and competed in horse
pulling competitions. Naomi was a 3 sport athlete at Monadnock Regional High School. She was named Female Athlete of The Year for the years 1977-1978. She was a 4 year
varsity player for Field Hockey, Basketball, and Softball. Naomi played for the Greater Keene Women’s Softball Association for 20 years. Naomi was selected for All American 3rd baseman for the GKWSA. Softball critics called her “Hoover”, as in vacuum cleaner. In 1986 she traveled with her team to Spokane, Washington to compete in the Nationals
Tournament. Naomi later went on to be an assistant coach for the Monadnock girls Middle School softball team for 4 years. She was an all around New England sports fan, especially loving the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. She also followed the Bruins closely. One of Naomi’s favorite things to do was to camp with her friends and
entertain by sitting by an all night campfire with her loving husband Al, just having fun. When entertaining at home, she would prepare a feast of food, best known for her homemade baked beans. Naomi was known to have a huge heart that was shared with many children that adopted her as their “second mom” or aunt. She was loved by all.
Mrs. Dingman is survived by her husband Al E. Dingman Jr. of Swanzey. Her
father, Howard “Whitey” Smith of Swanzey. Siblings; Howard Smith and his
wife Cathy of Swanzey, Lou Smith and his wife Lisa of Swanzey, Robert Smith
of Swanzey, and Tina LaBarre and her husband John of Swanzey. Step children;
Josselyn and Jarred. In-laws; Georgianna and Alfred Dingman Sr. of
Winchester. Brother in-laws; Edmund Dingman Sr. and his companion Heidi,
Raymond Dingman Sr. and his wife Heidi and Wayne Dingman Sr. and his wife
Karen. She will be missed by her cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family
and numerous friends. Naomi is ore deceased by her mother, Ruth Smith who
passed in 1998 and her sister in-law Andrea C. Smith who passed earlier this
year.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 from 4 to 7pm in the
funeral chapel. A graveside service will be held in the family lot at
Mountain View Cemetery, Monadnock Hwy, Rt 32 South on Thursday, May 8,
2014 at 10am. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would
prefer donations be made in memory of Naomi A. Dingman to: Monadnock
Regional High School Softball Team, 680 Old Homestead Hwy. Swanzey, NH.
03446. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and
Crematory, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03446.
