Esther Jane "Aunty Barley" Neff, 77, of Bluffton, died at 7:45 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Van Buren Township on March 5, 1940 to the late George Willard and Fairy E. (Wilch) Neff. Esther was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera, and regularly attended the English Lutheran Church, Bluffton.
Esther is survived by one sister, Carolyn (Gerald) Rettig of Orange Township, Hancock County, numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by five siblings including two brothers, James Neff and Richard (Beulah) Neff; and three sisters, Mary Ellen (Norman) Johnson; Janice (Ralph) Redick; and Ruth Anna (Roger) Ruffell.
Over the years, following her high school graduation, Esther held various jobs, working at Triplett in Bluffton, Theatrical Accessories in Findlay, Southgate Lanes in Bluffton, and later the Bluffton Dug Out.
She enjoyed time at the Bluffton Senior Center helping with various tasks as needed, playing Mexican Train, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. She also routinely volunteered as a clerk and the Et Cetera shop.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at the English Lutheran Church in Bluffton with Pastor Kevin Mohr officiating. Visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to the service (10-11 a.m.) Saturday at the church.
Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Van Buren Township, Hancock County.
Memorial contributions in Esther's memory may be made to English Lutheran Church Building Fund, 111 Grove Street, Bluffton, or the Senior Citizens Center, 132 North Main St., Bluffton, OH 45817.
Online condolences can be expressed by visiting coldrencrates.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crates Funeral Hom, Arlington.
