Lorele was born August 31, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John Albert Burt and Geneve Graehl. As a young teenager she moved onto Evergreen Avenue in East Mill Creek with her mother and siblings Karleen Burt (Cloyd) Barker, (deceased), Shanna Burt (John) Child, Bonnie Burt (deceased) and John (Jack) Burt (deceased) and enthusiastically became a lifelong member of the community drawing many friends around her.
She graduated from Granite High School and began attending the University of Utah until she was swept up by World War II. She worked in a shipyard and a radio tube factory to support the war effort. She always wished that she had completed her education and encouraged all to take advantage of educational opportunities. She was ever-learning and sought conversation with those who could teach her something new.
She married John Elwood Neff in the Salt Lake Temple on July 11, 1945 while he was home on a 2-week leave from the US Navy. Home and family became Lorele’s priority and she devoted her life to raising their 6 children. Her family was her passion and as her 6 children married and left home she focused on the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Holiday celebrations, sleepovers, dinners, breakfasts, picnics by the creek, sewing lessons and craft hours became the norm and she quickly became “Grandma Great”. Her greatest hope was to be well remembered by her family.
Lorele had an intense work ethic and never left a job before it was finished to her exact specifications. She spent days and nights in her large yard and garden creating a place of beauty and utility. She was known for her ‘healthy eating’ and always cautioned of the evils of sugar and the benefits of herbs, whole grains and vegetables.
Her home became a gathering place for many who were drawn by her enthusiasm, love, and her faith in their ability to succeed. Since her passing we have been amazed by the outpouring of gratitude by those whose lives were impacted by her outreach in her 99 years of life. Her honest concern and faith-filled conversations have made a difference and will continue to influence upcoming generations. .
Her Faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ was her guiding light and she shared her testimony and love of the Savior with her family and as she served missions on Temple Square, in the Salt Lake Central City Mission, India and South Africa.. She was a student of the gospel and cherished her time attending classes and seminars. She was a teacher first and foremost and treasured opportunities to teach at home and in many church capacities.
Lorele was preceded in death by her parents, 3 siblings and grandson John Neff. She is survived by her husband John Elwood Neff (103), children Cherrill (Richard) Oldroyd, Mark (Shellee) Neff, Natalie (Richard) Brinton, David (Debra) Neff, Paul (Kathie) Neff and Claudette (Jack) Gerard; sister Shanna (John) Child; 38 grandchildren and 90 great grandchildren. A graveside service was held and a memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, 2024, 11:00 am, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel 2125 East Evergreen Avenue, Millcreek, Utah.
