NEFF, Francis (Frank) Marion

McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel, Safford, Arizona Frank Marion Neff June 19, 1947 - July 16, 2015 Francis "Frank" Marion Neff, 68, of Thatcher, entered into eternal rest July 16, 2015. Frank was born June 19, 1947 to Vivian Allen and Joseph Alma Neff in Snowflake, Arizona. A viewing for Frank will be held on Monday, July 20th from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Caldwell Funeral Chapel and again on Tuesday, July 21st at 9:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mt. Graham Chapel with the funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Bishop Clay Hargis conducting. Interment will be in the Artesia Cemetery. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, Arizona Saturday, July 18, 2015 Francis “Frank” Marion Neff, 68, of Thatcher, entered into rest July 16, 2015, at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born June 19, 1947, in Snowflake to Joseph and Viva Neff. He moved to the Gila Valley in 1967 to attend EAC, and there he met and soon married Carolyn Sue Harris. They resided in Artesia, south of Safford, for 43 years, raising four children and several foster children. Frank loved working in the agricultural industry as a mechanic on farm equipment. Frank was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions in the church. His favorite hobby was gardening, and he had a very successful garden every year. His wife of 43 years, Carolyn, preceded him in death in 2011. He was called to work in the Gila Valley Temple in 2011, and it was there that he met and fell in love with Nelda Beebe Ray, and they married in 2013. They resided in Thatcher until his passing. Frank is survived by: his wife of 2 1/2 years, Nelda Neff; and his children, Trent Neff, Brenden Neff, Clinten (Terry) Neff and Susanna Leal; his stepchildren, Ashley Lansing, Cody Ray, Shiloh Wheeler, Danelle Vogel and Kaylee Marquez,; siblings, Marie McCray, Hilda Farnsworth, Paul Neff, Grant Neff, Pearl Westover and Albert Neff; 27 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Viva Neff, and his first wife, Carolyn Neff. A viewing for Frank will be held Monday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Caldwell Funeral Chapel and again on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mt. Graham Chapel, with the funeral service beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be in the Artesia Cemetery following the services. Services are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel.