Surnames: Neff, Rusten, Qualley, Manz, Post, Lautenbach, Patterson, Manthey, Seltrecht, Mohr

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) October 22, 2008

Neff, Luella Melinda "Lou" (7 May 1917 - 16 October 2008)

Luella Melinda "Lou" Neff, nee Qualley, 91, Neillsville, died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield.

Lou M. Neff was born May 7, 1917, in Neillsville, the daughter of Herman and Genal (Rusten) Qualley. She graduated from Neillsville High School and received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point. She worked for the Neillsville school system as a schoolteacher for many years including substitute teaching following retirement.

She was a member of the United Church of Christ. She was very active in being part of the church’s annual bazaar, including the plant sale. She exhibited loyalty, grace and courage in losses and hardship, and displayed optimism, cheerfulness and abiding faith in God.

She loved to grow things inside and outside, including many different flowers and a huge vegetable garden. She shared much of the produce directly from the garden and through her joy of cooking. She was always snipping and trying new recipes for family and friends to share.

Her curiosity and adventurous spirit led her to world travel, especially after retiring. Countries she visited included Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Norway, Austria and Great Britain. On her last trip to Alaska, she was accompanied by her husband, Charlie. Together they marveled at the sights and created wonderful memories lasting a lifetime.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Neff; sister-in-law, Jane (Neff) Manz of Baraboo; nieces, Carole Post of Granton, Betty (Norman) Lautenbach of Granton and Donna (James Patterson) Manthey of Madison.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lenore (Qualley) Seltrecht; brother, Richard Qualley; children, Joseph "Joby" and Kathleen "Kathy"; niece Lorraine, and nephew, Robert.

Memorial services for Lou will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, at the United Church of Christ. Pastor James Mohr will officiate. A luncheon will be served following graveside prayers at the Neillsville City Cemetery.