Former Ross County Official Joyce Neff Has Passed Away
Article Presented By Kingston National Bank…
(Haller Funeral Home) – For the second time in less than one week, a former Ross County elected official has died. Former Ross County Clerk of Courts Joyce Neff passed away March 26th at the age of 78. Former Treasurer Felix Melaragno died last week.
Joyce’s story began on September 16, 1946. She was born in Chillicothe, Ohio to her loving parents, Denver H. and Mary M. (Riley) Monroe, the only daughter of four children. Along with her brothers, Monte, Harvey, and Steven, she attended Huntington High School and graduated in 1964. On September 29, 1968, she married the love of her life, Cecil Wayne Neff, who survives.
Also surviving are their beloved children, Tiffany (Greg) Wade, B. Scott (Peggy) Neff, Aaron (Edna) Neff, Kimberly Kershaw, and Gwen (John) Weaver; former daughter-in-law, Rhonda Shoemaker; grandchildren, Nicholas (Heather) Neff, Ashley (Brad) McDaniel, Nathan (Erin) Neff, Joshua (Beth) Neff, Max Weaver, Mallory Weaver, Paige (Austin) Hoffman, Jessica Wade, Thomas (Shanika) Wade, Andrew Wade, Lindsay (Danie) van den Heever, Andrea Kershaw, and Michael (Danielle) Kershaw; 13 great-grandchildren; her brother, Steven (Leisa) Monroe; sister-in-law, Lavonne Monroe; her best friends since first grade, Sue Kelley, Donna Bellaw, Alice Oates, and Gloria DeBord; special friend of the family, Rhonda Shoemaker; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and beloved friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Harvey and Monte (Joanne) Monroe.
Joyce was a bright light of hope for many in the community, especially children. The vast majority of her life was spent in service to others. She began her career as a caseworker for Ross County Job and Family Services, spending over 25 years of dedicated service to families in need. In 1979, Joyce was the first woman to be elected to the Huntington School Board, where she proudly served until 1987. It was during this time that she also became the first female board president. In 1987, Joyce was elected into public office and served as the Clerk of Courts until 1992; the first female to hold a public office in Ross County since 1918.
In 2002, she had another calling, and began a second career working as a Paraprofessional Aide to several of the Ross County area schools. She ran the Huntington After School Program for several years, positively impacting the lives of countless youth and providing opportunities for children to receive one on one educational instruction. The program was also known for taking the students on fun trips during the summer and providing them with opportunity to experience places they may not have otherwise been able to go. She also spent 11 years running the Chillicothe Latchkey Program to assist working families and provide a safe space for children both before and after school. To her family and friends, Joyce was a pillar of strength. Her love, kindness, and light-hearted spirit was cherished and will be for years to come. She was a woman of faith, and loved attending Springbank United Methodist Church. Although she will be deeply missed by all who knew her, the impact she made on the lives of people she encountered will never be forgotten.
The family would like to extend a special and sincere thank you to Adena Hospice, the countless nurses, aides, and support staff who went above and beyond for Joyce during her illness. Your love and care made all of the difference in the world. Additionally, thank you to Dr. Seidensticker, her nurses Charlena, LeaAnn, Heidi, and Lisa; her aide, September; her caseworker, Maggie; and Chaplain, Cameron. A sincere thank you is also extended to Springbank United Methodist Church, Rev. Jim Wade, and Susan for your unwavering support, meal trains, and love during this difficult time.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, March 31, 2025 at the Haller Funeral Home with John Walls officiating. Private burial will take place in Grandview Cemetery at a later date. Friends are welcomed to join the family for visitation on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 2:00pm-5:00pm at the funeral home.
In Joyce’s honor, memorial contributions can be made to the Ross County Humane Society or to the Adena Hospice group.
