Frances Neff

  Frances Evelyn Neff, 98, passed into the presence of her loving Savior on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at her home in Lynden, surrounded by family.
  Frances was born on Aug. 4, 1919 in Grants Pass, Oregon. She settled a year later in San Jose, California. She was the oldest of nine children born to Reverend Harold E. and Ethel E. Barton (nee Duff). She graduated from San Jose High School and attended both BIOLA University and San Jose State University with a passion for music.
  On May 29, 1943, Frances was married to Reverend Douglas L. Neff and was blessed with 11 children. Pastor Neff and Frances moved to Lynden, where they were active members of Covenant Grace Reformed Church.
  These are comments about Frances shared by some of the grandkids: Gracious, lovely, multi-talented, God-fearing grandma, our matriarch. Musician, craftswoman, teacher, wife, friend. She taught me to knit, to bake, read music, play the piano. I never escaped from one of her hugs without getting a kiss too. As long as I can remember she was always soft, ‘sassy’ and strict, yet always accessible and welcoming. Grandma was a true renaissance woman — she raised 11 faithful children, was a patient and gracious pastor’s wife, and an inspiring grandmother to many more than just her own. An accomplished musician, she accompanied at church on piano and organ and taught piano until her early 90s. She was an extreme ‘couponer’ before that was a ‘thing.’ She had a green thumb and could make any clipping grow. She was an avid canner and baker. She was spunky and loved a good joke. She loved playing games with her family. Her yarn collection remains unrivaled. Her hands were always busy, if not with food or music, then with crocheting or knitting. Grandma always made you feel as if you were blessing her when you asked for her help or time. She was one of my earliest music teachers. I have many memories of piano practicing with Grandma now and again calling out from across the room which note I was missing. She helped me write out a tune that I made up one day playing fiddle. Later in college I harmonized it and named it “Frances.” She was more than just a music teacher to me. She always had cookies on hand and was always up for a ‘music theory’ chat. I’ll always remember her brooches pinned at the top of her buttoned-up polo shirt and how she always wore a housecoat from a bygone era. I would laughingly/lovingly refer to her as the longest ‘finisher’ because it was so hard to get away when a visit came to a close.
  Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas; son-in-law Paul Reimers; daughters Sharon Reimers and Marilyn Bushey; and two grandchildren.
  She is survived by siblings Eunice (Roy) Van Gorkom, Paul (Nelda) Barton, Harry (Shirley) Barton and Joanne Geddes. Her remaining children are Stanley (Marian) Neff, David (Elayne) Neff, Robert (Margaret) Neff, Stephen (Jody) Neff, Janis (Blaine) Beck, Jon Neff, Linda (David) Vaughn, Michele Neff, and Daniel (Janean) Neff. She was also blessed with 54 grandchildren, 85 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
  You are invited to join family and friends for visitation on Monday, Jan. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Gillies Funeral Home, 202 Front St., Lynden. Graveside services will be Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 12:30 p.m. in Monumenta Cemetery on Front Street, Lynden, followed by the memorial service at 1:30 p.m. in the Lynden United Reformed Church, 8650 Benson Rd., Lynden.
  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either of the following: Abounding Grace Radio (donate through either the website or to AGRadio.org, P.O. Box 732, Lynden, WA 98264); or Christian Veterinary Mission (CVM), Fred and Vicky Van Gorkom, with donations through either the website at www.cvmusa.org/donate, noting it is for Fred and Vicki Van Gorkom or call to 206-546-7574, or send checks to Christian Veterinary Mission, noting Fred and Vicki Van Gorkom on the memo line, and mailing to Christian Veterinary Mission, 19303 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98133.
  You are invited to share your condolences and memories online at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
  Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.