Vera Ruth Neff

2025 at Mackenzie Place on her way to heaven.

Vera was born June 18, 1936, in Hooker, Oklahoma, the daughter of David and

Johanna Riffel Winter.

Vera graduated from Hooker High School in 1954, then went on to Bethany Nazarene

College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Science in Education from Denver University.

Vera Ruth Winters married Leonard Dean Neff on December 20, 1958. Officiated by

Rev Amos Meador and Rev J.T. Gassett. Sixty-six years of marriage gave them two

children, six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Vera Neff worked over 42 years teaching elementary vocal music at four different

Schools. She received the El Paso Council PTA Apple Award in 1991. And decided to retire from teaching in 2000 and go into volunteer work at the Junior League Bargain Box. Along with this she owned a well-respected Children’s boutique, Nana’s Nook in Cripple Creek for almost forty years.

Vera Neff and her husband served over thirty years as music ministers in the

church. She was a member of the Nazarene church.

Very Neff enjoyed playing the piano, writing and developing music, including two published Christian Children’s musicals. She loved to cook especially cinnamon rolls and German cuisine and to entertain and care for others.

Vera Neff is survived by her spouse: Leonard Dean Neff, her children: Dena Ruth

Owens (Billy) and Toby Dean Neff (Tanya), grandchildren: Emily (Ross) Rethmeier, Taylor (Anna) Owens, Cole (Ariel) Owens, Preston (Lindsey) Owens, Aubrey Neff and Neely Neff and great-grandchildren: Blakely, Quade, Campbell, and Fallon Rethmeier, Henry, Adler, Abel and Hayden Owens, Isla, Imogen, Jack, Augustine, and Preston Owens.

Sister/Brother-in-law: Anita (John) Uphaus and several loved nieces and nephews.

Vera Neff was preceded in death by her parents David and Johanna Winters: Siblings and spouses Mary (Ross) Spencer, Leo (Juliet) Winter, Selma (Elmer) Witzke, Martha (Harold)

Witzke; and to many dearly loved nieces and nephews who left us to soon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM with Reception to follow 3-5PM Friday, March 14th, 2025, at Swan Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Ave.

Memorial donations in Vera’s memory may be directed to the Watoto Children's Choir.