Thelma M. Neff, 87. Springfield, MO. passed away Friday , February 9, 2024  at Buffalo Prairie Care Center, in Buffalo, MO. Thelma was born on August 14, 1936, in Douglas County, MO. to: Ralph and Ethel M. (Albright) Mathes. Thelma was a graduate of Ava High School and went on to receive her Masters degree at MSU college  She was a retired school teacher, of children with learning disabilities with Springfield Public Schools where she worked at the Hickory Hills School. Thelma was very active in the community. She was on the Executive Board  for the Boy Scouts of America, the Greene county Board for Developmentally Disabled, the Greene county Senior Board, helped with regional Special Olympics, and many more functions. Thelma was also a longtime Republican Activist. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and working in her flower garden.

On February 4, 1955, Thelma was united in marriage to Harrison “Bud” Neff, in Cross Roads, MO. He preceded her in death on February 1, 2029. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Ethel Mathes,  her brother: Don Mathes,  and her sister, Dean Nelson. She is survived by her son, Robert Neff and his wife, Donna, three grandchildren: Cliff Neff, Chelsy Brown, and Chase Neff, six great-grandchildren: Emma Neff, Easton Neff, Hudson Neff, Alba Powell, Daxton Brown, and Inez Brown. She is also survived aby her nieces and nephews: Debbie Whitaker, Doug Mathes, Jim Neff, Andy Neff, Linda Abraham, and Beth Zeh.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Visitation will be one hour before services, from noon to 1:00 p.m. before services. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, directly after the service.  The family suggests memorial donations be made to the charity or organization of your choice.