Frank Neff

Francis Frank Marion Neff, 68, of Thatcher, entered into rest on July 16, 2015 at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born June 19, 1947 in Snowflake to Joseph & 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 4 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 step children 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 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Viva Neff and his first wife, Carolyn Neff. A viewing for Frank will be held Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Caldwell Funeral Chapel and again on Tuesday morning 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. Interment will be in the Artesia Cemetery following the services.