Neff Dr. Judith Ann Neff died on Friday, February 17, 2017 in Columbus Ohio. Judith is survived by her husband, Dr. John Neff M.D.; her children, Joseph, Jacob (their father and her first husband, Jack Moss), Adrianne, Theodore, Stephen, Gregory, and Eric; her grandchildren, Justin, Gabriel, Marissa, Lucas, Noah, Dillon, Logan, Camille, Maitland, Gretchen, Sylvia, and Henry; and her siblings, Denise, Susan, Sharon, Stephen, and Deborah. She was born in 1946 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia to Doris and Bill Cunningham and was raised in Gahanna, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Education at the Ohio State University, and her PhD in Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She was a consummate educator, dedicated to excellence in children's literature and early childhood education. She taught at Highland Park Elementary in Grove City, St. Joseph's School and Grandview Elementary in Knoxville, and was on faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Education. The St. Thomas Moore Newman Center in Columbus and St. John XXIII in Knoxville, were central to her Catholic faith and spiritual connection to the world. A Memorial Mass will be held in her honor at 10 a.m. Monday, February 20 at St. Thomas Moore Newman Center. In lieu of flowers, please offer a donation to a children's charity of your choice. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory of Judith.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Feb. 18 to Feb. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Judith Neff

18 Entries

Stephen Neff

May 20, 2022

Stephen Neff

May 20, 2022

Stephen Neff

May 20, 2022

I really miss Judy and tell Judy and my mother Sylvia Sue that I miss them and I love them and I'm so sorry for what happened to them every morning in my prayer to Jesus and God. I know you are in God's Amazing Kingdom. Miss you Judy

Candie Pack

February 19, 2021

To the family of Judy Neff, I wrote this on my Facebook page back in 2017 and it came up on my memories page today. I always wanted to share this with you but for some reason never did. I want to now because Miss Moss, as I knew her for so many years, comes across my thoughts often. She will always have a place in my heart and I share my memories with my children and students ❤

A guest came through my line yesterday at work and we started talking about our jobs in the district. She said she worked at highland park, my elementary school from K-5, and that the day before she had received some sad news. My favorite teacher and the woman who inspired me more than anyone else when I was in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades had passed away. Judy Moss volunteered two hours a night, 4 days a week to come to my home and teach me, home school me when I was in the 3rd grade. At the time, I had lots of physical issues due to my rheumatoid arthritis and could not navigate the school by myself. After that, she asked for me to be in her class for the next two years. We stayed in touch many years after school and exchanged photos of our families over the years but a few years ago I lost touch with her and with no luck couldn't find her anywhere. Mrs. Moss, you did so much good for me and you affected me deep in my soul. You are in my thoughts so often and I base much of my teaching on you and how you taught and cared for me! You will be missed and the memories I have, I will cherish always❤

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L.C. Madron

April 17, 2018

She taught for me at Lake City Elementary School. L.C. Madron
Fond memories!

Msgr John Cody

February 22, 2017

Dr. Neff and family - I wad saddened to hear of Judy's death. I met her when I was a deacon at Our Lady of Peace. We spent a lot of time in conversation, and I remember well her boys Joe and Jake who were little boys at the time. Even thpugh it has been over 40 years ago, I have fond memories of her as a young mother. I regret we didn't stay in touch. I'm retired now from parish ministry and live in our family home and help out at St Michael church. My deepest sympathy on her death, and I hope to meet you some day. God bless you and your family as you adjust to the loss of Judy. May she rest in peace. - Monsignor John Cody

February 22, 2017

Dear Dr. Neff and Neff Family,

Our condolences to you on the Judith's passing. Although my contact with Judith over the year's has been limited and I don't have a lot of recollections to share, I can say that I will remember her for the warmth of her smile, the sparkle in her eyes and the enjoyable moments spent in conversation.

With thoughts and prayers,

John and Laurel Logsdon and Family

Lonnie Speck

February 21, 2017

John, I am so sorry for your loss. Judy was such a wonderful person. She always greeted me with her beautiful smile. It was contagious. When I fell off my bicycle she would help me up and in courage me to keep trying. We had so many laughs together. I wasn't Catholic but went to Mass with her one time and ask her; "What are all the beads for? And why are you counting them? And why are you praying to the Holy Ghost? I don't like ghost". She put her hand over her mouth to conceal her laughter. "I'll tell you later" she said. She was so intelligent I could listen to her for hours. She approach life with "There is nothing I can't do" attitude, and I carried that same attitude all my life. What an inspiration she was. One of God's special creations. I miss you Judy but the treasured memories will last an eternity. Someday I will meet you on the other side. In loving memory your younger cousin, Lonnie Speck.

Rachael LeBlanc

February 21, 2017

Dear Dr. Neff,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, and I pray your and Judy's family find peace and comfort in the memories of the beautiful life you shared.

Please touch base when you have time.
([email protected])

Sincerely,
Rachael, Wayne, and Daniel

February 20, 2017

John, I simply cannot wrap my arms around the idea that Judith is gone from us. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss that her children and grandchildren are feeling today as well. Know that in the short time I knew her I learned to appreciate her good spirit and her generous and open friendship. Condolences to you and the family from Rochelle and me. Doug Veum, Knoxville, TN

Lisa and Becky

February 20, 2017

So sorry to hear of your loss,we loved Judy she was an awesome person

John Alves

February 20, 2017

You and family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Leslie Sholly

February 20, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. She was one of the best teachers my children ever had. They were inspired and encouraged by her creativity and her faith in them.

Candie Pack

February 20, 2017

A guest came through my line yesterday at work and we started talking about our jobs in the district. She said she worked at highland park, my elementary school from K-5, and that the day before she had received some sad news. My favorite teacher and the woman who inspired me more than anyone else when I was in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades had passed away, unexpectedly. Judy Moss Neff volunteered two hours a night, 4 days a week to come to my home and teach me, home school me when I was in the 3rd grade. At the time, I had lots of physical issues due to my rheumatoid arthritis and could not navigate the school by myself. After that, she asked for me to be in her class for the next two years. We stayed in touch many years after school and exchanged photos of our families over the years but a few years ago I lost touch with her and with no luck couldn't find her anywhere. Mrs. Moss, you did so much good for me and you affected me deep in my soul. I loved you more than I've ever loved a teacher in my life. You are in my thoughts so often and I base much of my teaching on you and how you taught and cared for me and so many others. You will be missed and the memories I have, I will cherish always❤

Adora Huddleston

February 20, 2017

Judy Moss. You were my teacher at Highland Park Elementary School for both 4th and 5th grades. Those were the best 2 years of my schooling. You inspired me to become the individual I am today. You pushed me, you never gave up on me. I hope that I can inspire my students as you have inspired me. You will always be my favorite teacher! Love and prayers for your family during this difficult time. Love, Adora (Burgess) Huddleston and family.

Betty Krusenklaus

February 19, 2017

Judy was a good friend and wonderful teacher. I enjoyed teaching with hepr at St. Joseph School. I will remember her with fondness.

Linda Fenner

February 19, 2017

Words cannot convey my shock and sorrow at Judith's passing. She was a wonderful friend and mentor to me. She was a fierce and inspirational advocate for children and their learning. Her courage, wisdom, and intellect will be so missed. My deepest condolences go to John and the other members of Judith's family.

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