Leah Leona Neff 76, of Mechanicsburg, formerly of Centre County, went home to be with her soul mate and husband Phil, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, at Bethany Village in Mechanicsburg.
She was born November 12, 1932, in Tyrone, a daughter of the late James and Helen Wagner Leitzell
On June 1955, she married Philip (Phil) Neff who preceded her in death June 19, 2004.
Leah was a 1950 graduate of Bellefonte High School.
She was a long time member of Hope United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg.
She enjoyed playing card games, gardening, and putting jig saw puzzles together. A uniquely gifted and adaptive person, she learned to paint with her left hand following a stroke which left her paralyzed on the right side. She loved to sing, and after losing her ability to speak following the stroke, could still sing the words to her favorite hymns. An avid swimmer, she swam as often as she could until becoming completely unable to get into and out of the water. While she enjoyed many things in her life, her late husband Phil, was the true light in her life. They shared many moments of sheer joy together, and were devoted to the well being of each other in ways that are seldom witnessed. "Each for the other" is how they lived their lives.
Mrs. Neff is survived by a brother Philip (Phip) and his wife Mary Jo of Lock Haven; sisters in law Shirley, Dorothy and Barb, and several nephews and nieces including Beth Kalenak who was chosen by Leah's husband Phil to make sure Leah was properly cared for during his illness and following his death. She is also survived by two especially close friends, Phyllis and Margie.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Glunt and four brothers, Jerome, Donald, Kay, and Jim.
There will be no public visitation. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p. m. on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at Emmanuel Reformed and Lutheran Church Cemetery at Tusseyville. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a. m. on Monday, November 24, 2008, at chapel of Hope United Methodist Church, 6260 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA with the Reverend Doctor Leslie P. Towsey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 98 South Enola Drive, P. O. Box 266 Enola, PA 17025
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com