Naomi Jade (Kiqiwh) Van Pelt
July 17, 1993 – January 14, 2025

Naomi Jade (Kiqiwh) Van Pelt illuminated the world on Saturday, July 17, 1993. She was born to Dwight Van Pelt and Sandra Hostler in Eureka. Naomi spent her formative years in Hoopa and graduated from Hoopa Valley High School in 2011. After high school, she pursued studies in biology at Butte College and Mendocino College before returning to her hometown in 2015.

Naomi worked as a medical insurance biller and fiscal clerk at her local medical clinic before transitioning to a role as a bank teller. On June 30, 2021, Naomi and Mawahche Blake welcomed their newborn son, Keehl Solair Blake, who filled their lives with curiosity and sweetness.

Naomi was a devoted and loving mother, always staying informed about child-rearing studies and parenting methods. She cherished reading to Keehl, cuddling him, exploring nature in search of bugs, and playing with dinosaurs. With a depth of character matched only by her brilliant mind, Naomi had a passion for reading that was truly inspirational; she spent countless hours immersed in books and online articles.

Her interests included video games, Pokémon, animals, technology, and spending time in nature or with friends and family. As a gentle spirit, Naomi loved her friends and family deeply, appreciating the natural beauty of the valley where she spent most of her life. Gifted with the ability to see the good in everyone, she was truly without prejudice. Naomi was admired for her beauty, her zest for life, and her gratitude for all the experiences that shaped her into the person we came to love and know.

Honorary Pallbearers:

Dwight Van Pelt Sr., Emmett Chase Sr., Tsewinaldin Van Pelt, Tsemeta Van Pelt, Mindich Van Pelt, Kikya Van Pelt, Tsenikyaw Van Pelt, Omar Dean V, Uncle Ivan, Keith Hostler Sr., Clarence Hostler Sr., Clarence Hostler Jr. (Bubado), Norvin (Jude) Hostler, Norvin Hostler, Nikwe Hostler, Brandon Scott, Mark Scott, Cooper Scott, Lawrence Tracy, Jason Peterson, Aaron Peterson, Craig Merrick, Nathaniel Sanderson, Mike Hostler, Loren Hostler Sr., Hunter Sanderson, Ben Sanderson, Roger Sanderson, Rick Sanderson, Robert Masten, Jayden Reed, Porty Blake, Cawtep Sylvia, Jake Blake, Grant McCovey, Peter Blake, Keenan O’Rourke, Keoki Burbank, Paul Donahue, Cesar Flores, Valin Davis, Joseph McCovey, Julian McCovey, Dusty Rhoades, and Dylon Malnourie.

Pallbearers:

Kaycam Van Pelt, Bud Hostler, Blake Hostler, Richard Sanderson Jr., Zach Masten, Mawahche Blake, Tahn Blake, and Mike Obie.

Services and Final Arrangements:

A memorial service will be held at the Hupa NF Building on January 24, 2025, at 1 p.m., followed by a burial ceremony at Hostler Field. Afterward, a reception will take place at the Hoopa Fire Hall, where we can continue to honor and celebrate Naomi’s life.

A Heartfelt Thank You:

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and comfort shown by the community, friends, and family during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness has been a great source of strength, and we are forever grateful for each of you.

If you are considering sending flowers, the family kindly requests real flowers instead of plastic ones, to honor Naomi’s memory.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Naomi Van Pelt’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.