David Neff

David Eugene Neff was born to Beryl Watts Neff and Emerson Chamberlain Neff on December 14, 1939, the first of seven children. He was raised on his parent's ranch in Ruby Valley, Nevada, which Emerson and his father established after they lost their estate in Salt Lake City during the Great Depression. As a child, David attended a one-room school where his mother was also the school teacher. After graduating from Elko High School, he pursued his studies at Brigham Young University where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in agriculture. David married Dawna Jean Saden in June 1967 in the Salt Lake City LDS temple. Together they had three children: Kimberly, Karl, and Karissa. On June 12, 1992 he married Lynn (Proclen) Villanueva. They were later sealed in the Oahu LDS temple in December 2008. They also had three children: Kevin, Kaylyn, and Kamille.

David's passions were many and varied. He was extremely well-read. He loved his family, politics, and cats. David was a tireless entrepreneur and a gifted carpenter. David will be remembered by those who knew him best for his incredible work ethic and his deep love of Hawaii. He considered himself part Hawaiian (although not of descent), even purchasing his dream home on the Big Island. He was also known for his love of outdoor adventure. Most of all, he will be remembered for his kindness and gentleness to the animals he cared for and the family he loved. David lived on the ranch his entire life and passed away doing what he loved most - ranching.

David was predeceased by his mother, father, and brother, Paul Neff. He is survived by his three brothers: John Neff, Steve Neff, and Wendell Neff, and also by his two sisters: Janet Neff (Wendlandt) and Jeanne Neff (Sampson).

He is survived by his wife Lynn of 25 years, his six children: Kimberly Neff (Timothy Kuta), Karl Neff (Diana Sullivan), Karissa Neff, Kevin Neff (Jessica Bessert), Kaylyn Neff (Nicholas Nolte), and Kamille Neff. He also left behind 11 grandchildren and has one on the way: Kimberly and Tim's children (Taylor (Maggie), Michael, Kaytlyn, Jacob, Zachary, Sofia, Eva); Karl and Diana's children (Isabelle, Amanda, Nathan, and Lucy).

A viewing will be held at Burns Funeral Home on Monday, January 30th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 31st at 11 a.m. Ruby Valley time (MST) at the Ruby Valley LDS Church.