Kaleah Judy Jenay Neff

One of Almighty God's most precious angels returned to His kingdom on Monday, October 7, 2024. Kaleah Judy Jenay Neff, age 36, born March 30, 1988 in Fairbanks, Alaska, passed unexpectedly and suddenly into eternity at her home in Palmer, Alaska on 10.7.24 due to complications involving her small intestines.
Kali, as she was affectionately known, attended Fairbanks schools, graduating from West Valley in 2007. Her infancy and teenage years were marred with her valiant fight against cancer; once at 16 months, and again at 16 years, Kaleah endured radiation, chemotherapy, surgeries and a stem cell harvest to battle neuroblastoma. At ten years of age, Kali was diagnosed with a rare chromosomal imbalance. During and after high school, Kaleah worked at Safeway, gained her Certified Nursing Assistant degree at UAF, pursued the field of phlebotomy for a short time, dabbled in ASL, and ultimately settled in at Safeway as a cashier. Along with her faithful and well-loved yellow Labrador, Salty, Kaleah transferred and relocated in 2009 from Fairbanks to Palmer to be close to her sister and family. Kaleah diligently researched homes in the Palmer area which she would be qualified to purchase, making herself quite well-known at the Mat-Su Borough offices. In 2016, with help from friends and family, she purchased a lot on Rose Garden Circle. It became her personal 'plantation'. Her wonderful & patient neighbors endured Kaleah's long conversations, her late night sawzall noise (along with her barking dogs), her bonfires, and her erratic work schedule. Kali jumped into involvement in the community with Breast Cancer walks, dog parks, political forums, recycling during the fair, and helping out in her church. She consistently served in any capacity needed, and enjoyed church social outings such as Bunco, scavenger hunts, bowling, Bible studies, seminars, ladies' tea, movies, etc. In recent years, Kaleah transitioned from cashiering at the Palmer Safeway store to working in the Palmer Safeway Fuel Station, a change she appreciated as it gave her more autonomy. Many Palmer residents will remember her cheery smile and gracious attitude.
While Kaleah faced many difficulties and rejections in her journey of life, her heart remained soft and huge; she was deeply, deeply loved by her family. Her love for all animals was unrivaled, and her remaining Labradors, Pepper and Olive, filled her world. As Kaleah's family made contacts in her community after her passing, we heard the same refrain: Kaleah was genuine, honest, loyal, strong, kind, big-hearted, and remarkably unforgettable.
Like a shooting star, our beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend has passed out of our earthly realm. But, we know beyond all powers this earth has ever known, Kaleah embodied the strength of unconditional love for others, her dogs, her family, her friends, and especially her intense and committed love for Jesus. Her deeply-rooted faith was the whisper of a profound purity Kali possessed and will continue to shape our lives. Death cannot rob us of the glorious gift of hope and victory we have of being in eternity together again.
Kaleah is survived by her loving parents, Richard and Myra Neff; her sisters La'net Spence (Stephen), and Kambriea John; brothers Frank Neff, Justin Neff (Natasha), and Kedrik Neff (Jenna); Her older nieces and nephews Keagan Carlton, Kiara Carlton, Tanel Ramin, Cody Neff; and her younger nieces and nephews, who she adored: Alize' Hipbshman, Dejah John, Paxson John, Maddox Neff, Kaden Neff, and Dax Neff. Aunts Sharon Newell (Clint), Cherith O'Connor, Cheryl Neff; Uncles Ked Schoming (Diane), Lyle Neff, Wendell Neff Jr., Mark Gudschinsky (Doreen), Steve Guschinsky (Janna) and many cousins.
To honor Kaleah's life, a Celebration will be held at Matanuska Assembly of God, 865 W Auklet Ave., Palmer, AK 99645 on Saturday, November 9, 2024, 1:00pm. Donations accepted in her memory to their BGMC Missions Offering, in which Kaleah participated. if you knew Kaleah, please come celebrate her life with her family and friends.