Paul E. Neff - 1943-2009

Paul E. Neff, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother returned to his Heavenly Father unexpectedly on July 25, 2009 at his home in Ruby Valley. He was born in Murray, Utah December 30, 1943 to Beryl and Emerson Neff, the third of seven children.

His early schooling was completed in a one room schoolhouse in Ruby Valley. Paul later attended Elko High School, graduating from there, and continuing on to the University of Nevada Reno, majoring in Animal Science.

He interrupted his college education to complete a two year LDS mission to Scotland. Upon returning to Reno, he graduated from UNR and met his wife, Judy. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS temple on March 24, 1967 and made their home in Ruby Valley where they raised seven children on the North Ranch.

Paul was self employed in ranching and in 1977 started a successful equipment business. At his passing, he was continuing these endeavors with his son Jared and son-in-law Tyler. Paul's reputation for honesty and fairness, coupled with his incredible work ethic, won him the admiration and respect of many. He earned multiple sales awards from equipment companies he represented. Under his care, the North Ranch flourished.

At the time of his passing, Paul was serving as the Patriarch of the Elko East Stake. Previously, he served on the high council and in the church sports program. He was Branch President of the Ruby Valley Branch for nine years.

Paul participated in many civic capacities. He was elected to the Wells Rural Electric Board of Directors and served for eleven years in this position. Paul was a past President of the Elko County Farm Bureau and a member of the Nevada Cattlemen's Association. He donated time, effort, and resources to many charities and civic groups. At the time of his death, he was serving as Vice President of the Ruby Valley Cemetery Association.

Paul was a dedicated BYU sports fan and enjoyed competing in a variety of sporting events. Above all, he enjoyed working and spending time with his family. Paul exemplified a lifetime of devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ and service to his fellow man. His work ethic, integrity and kindness won him the respect of many. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Judy, children Andy (Marla), Hooper, UT, Cindy Freitas (Scott), American Fork, UT, Jared, Ruby Valley, Nancy Livingstone (Tyler), Ruby Valley, Jesse (Shanna), Ammon, ID and Erin Peters (Nick), Beaumont Texas; grandchildren Eric, Brittany, Danny, Joshua, Ethan, Karsen, Ian, Cameron and Britain; brothers David (Lynn), John (Kathy), Steven (Sandy), Wendell (Chris) all of Ruby Valley and sisters Jeanne Sampson (Mark) Ruby Valley and Janet Wendlant (Butch) Elko.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Emerson; mother, Beryl; daughter Caralyn and granddaughter, Abigail.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, July 29th from 6:00-9:00 pm at Burns Funeral Home and again on Thursday, July 30th from 10:00 – 10:45 pm at the Elko Nevada LDS East Stake Center, 1651 College Parkway. Services will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at the Ruby Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate to the Ruby Valley Cemetery Association, in Paul's memory, may do so at: Eloise McQueary HC 60 Box 675 Ruby Valley, NV 89833.