Shirley B. Neff

Shirley B. Neff, 88, of New Bremen, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025. She was born on October 6, 1936, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to the late Gerald A. and Eva Eubanks Mason.

Shirley grew up in Chillicothe but spent most of her life raising her family and making lifelong friends in Frankfort, Ohio. She had a deep love for her community and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She served as a volunteer on the township ambulance and dedicated many years to the village council. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She married James F. Betsch on December 9, 1956, and they shared many cherished years together before his passing on March 25, 1977. She later found love again with Allen Neff, whom she married on May 30, 1986. They shared a wonderful life together until his passing on April 5, 2005.

She is survived by her children: Cindy (Chip) Arledge of Hoover, AL; Mickey Schneider of St. Marys, OH (Dick-d); Jim (Boone) Betsch of Dupont, WA; and John (Megan) Betsch of Cincinnati, OH. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Zyggy (Kaila) Arledge, and Graham and Logan Betsch. She is also survived by her sister, Letalee "Prissy" Cottrill, and many nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her brothers, Gerald and John Mason, and her sisters, Evelyn Mae "Polly" Davis, Martha Schmidt, Roseann McLean, and Nancy Jo "Mickey" Moreland.

Shirley loved spending time with her family, playing cards with her friends, getting lost in a good crime mystery novel, and watching sports. She had a good joke for most any situation, bringing laughter and warmth to those around her. Her kindness, strength, and sense of humor made her a joy to be around, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Ebright Funeral Home in Frankfort, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirley’s memory to the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library, P.O. Box 185, Chillicothe, OH 45601, honoring her love for reading and learning.