Mary Ellen (Ingram) Neff

Mary E. Neff, 79, of Valley City, passed into her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Mary was born on July 7, 1946, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to the late James and Helen (Kall) Ingram. She moved to Valley City in 1956, where she spent most of her life before residing the past three years with her daughter in Medina.

A 1964 graduate of Buckeye High School, Mary married the love of her life, Thomas Neff, in 1965, and together they shared 50 years of marriage. She was a faithful member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Valley City. Mary was also a member of the Valley City Garden Club and the York Historical Society. During her children’s younger years, she was actively involved in the Valley City Youth League, coaching softball and working in the concession stand, as well as Brownies and Cub Scouts—always supporting local youth with dedication and care.

Mary was employed as a cafeteria worker with the Buckeye Local School District for 25 years. She was a lifelong animal lover and had a special place in her heart for her pug, Violet; her grand-pugs, Captain Jack and Stella; and beloved kitties, Maxine and Millie. Mary also enjoyed playing bingo, especially at the Valley City Street Fair, where she could often be found visiting with friends and neighbors.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Suzanne (Suzie) Neff (Lawrence Novak); her son, Willis Charles Neff; her twin sister, Della Dangelo; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephew.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Thomas “Tom” Neff, and her sister, Jean Kurtos.

At Mary’s request, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 6656 Center Rd, Valley City, Ohio. Family and friends may gather beginning at 11:15 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Poppy’s Wish Foundation, 86 Meadow Lane, Peninsula, OH 44264, or to Kitten Krazy, 930 Lafayette Road, Unit A, Medina, OH 44256 https://www.kittenkrazy.org .

The Bauer Funeral Home, Valley City, Ohio, has the honor of serving Mary’s family.

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