It is with great sadness that we share the news that AlphaNet Coordinator Naomi Folta passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024 in Columbia, Missouri. Naomi joined AlphaNet as a Coordinator in 2017 and was passionate about educating her fellow Alphas and providing them with caring support and guidance.

“Naomi was a humble woman. She wasn’t one to seek out praise even though it was often well-deserved. She was fiercely independent and worked hard to resolve situations on her own, only seeking help when needed. She was dedicated to her family, friends, colleagues, and Alphas. She often reached out to them between their monthly calls to share jokes or ‘just to check up on them.’ Naomi was the epitome of Alphas Serving Alphas and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her,” AlphaNet Team Manager Carla Ladig said.

Naomi was diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in 2009. She had a passion for dancing but started experiencing shortness of breath in 2008. Naomi thought quitting smoking would improve her breathing so she quit. When her health didn’t improve, she went to a pulmonologist, and by the third visit, she received her Alpha-1 diagnosis. Naomi started augmentation therapy in early 2010.

Naomi was the first person in her family to be diagnosed with Alpha-1, so it became very important for her to learn as much as possible about the condition, as well as encourage her family members to get tested.

Before joining AlphaNet, Naomi worked as a financial advisor and accountant. Naomi was a devoted mother and grandmother and when she wasn’t spending time with her family, she loved to crochet, weave, sew, and cook.

Naomi is survived by her son, Shawn Folta of Chandler, Arizona; daughter Tonya Coalwell of Columbia, Missouri; granddaughter Alex; great-granddaughter Nirvana; and her beloved dog, Izzy.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 12:00-3:00 PM at the VFW Hall in Wellsville, Missouri. The family requests memorial donations be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation: https://secure.alpha1.org/site/Donation2?2180.donation=form1&df_id=2180&mfc_pref=T.

Memorials may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.