Mary Neff

XENIA — Mary Ann Neff passed away March 9, 2014, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold W. and Florence Collins Bryson, brothers Robert of Albuquerque, NM, H. Edwin of Tallmadge, OH, and sister, Helen Brantley, Xenia. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Leo L. Neff, sons Robert and Scott (Kathleen), and grandchildren Kimberly, Justin, Christian, Brayden, Branden, and Kristen, two great-grandchildren, a sister Betty Martel (Charles) of Beavercreek, sister-in-law, Janet (Russell) Terrell of Akron, numerous nieces and nephews in NM, KY, AL and OH (locally Mrs. Janine (Brian) Montgomery and Mrs. Betsy (Dr. David) Crandall), and by many close friends. Mary Anne attended Muskingum College, New Concord, OH, and graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Education. Mary Anne lived a full life accomplishing much-her heart's desire of being both a first-grade/kindergarten teacher and church organist. She retired after teaching over 30 years in Dayton, Beavercreek, and Brize-Norton USAF Base (England) schools. She began playing church organs while in Xenia Central High School and continued until a few years before her death, willingly substituting for many churches and groups-often in emergency situations. She kept good records of her organ career and said she'd played in over 100 churches. She played for many weddings and always gave the bride a pretty memento-card listing the music played at the wedding. She was honored as Organist Emerita by her home church, Memorial United Presbyterian Church, Xenia. She was a 60-year member of the American Guild of Organists and was a life member of the Greene County Retired Teachers Association and the Ohio Retired Teachers Association with over 30 years of membership She was a lover of children, dogs, good music, the OSU football team, and faithfully sent cards of love and support to many friends and relatives. She will be missed by many in her family and community. Services will be held at 11am, Saturday, March 15, at Memorial United Presbyterian Church, 343 W. Ankeney Mill Rd., Xenia, with Rev. Kelley W. Shin officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30am Saturday, until service time at the church. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia. Contributions may be made to Memorial Presbyterian Church, in her memory. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.