The following feature is re-posted from November 2015. It shares part of Bob Neff's story as one of the world's longest living survivors of a heart transplant. His heart transplant took place in 1985.
It is believed that the world's longest surviving heart-transplant patient is Susan Law who received a new heart at Papworth Hospital near Cambridge, England, in 1982.
Robert “Bob” D. Neff, 66, died Friday morning, Jan. 11, 2019, at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay. He was born Nov. 6, 1952, in Bluffton, Ohio, to Richard and Beulah (Burkholder) Neff who preceded him in death.
On May 6, 1978, Bob married Nancy (Schumacher) Neff, who survives.
CLICK HERE for a column about Bob's heart transplant.
Robert “Bob” D. Neff, 66, of Bluffton died Jan. 11, 2019 at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 19, at English Lutheran Church in Bluffton.
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.
By Sam Brauen www.blufftonpirates.com
(WAPAKONETA) – After winning eight straight games to start the season, Bluffton’s boys basketball team dropped their second straight contest Tuesday at Wapakoneta. The losses came at the hands of two of the top teams of the Western Buckeye League in Ottawa-Glandorf and Wapak. The two teams have a combined record of 16-3. The host Redskins downed the visiting Pirates 61-54 Tuesday night in a game that had a tale of two halves.
By Sam Brauen www.blufftonpirates.com
VAN WERT – Alivia Koenig put up 27 points leading Bluffton to a 54-46 victory over Lincolnview. Averey Rumer added balance, scoring 12. The Lady Pirates are 10-4 overall and remain undefeated in conference play with a 4-0 mark.
Bluffton trailed 15-13 after one quarter but righted the ship in the second. Koenig hit her first three pointer and scored 7 in the quarter. Ashly Eachus and Rumer eached scored as well as Bluffton took a 24-23 lead.
Bluffton police released its December 2018 docket, which follows:
December 1
Officers responded to a North Lawn Avenue residence in reference to a domestic dispute.
December 2
Officers responded to a non-injury traffic crash at the intersection of Jackson Street and College Avenue. A Bluffton resident was issued a citation for failing to yield the right of way. The case is pending in Lima Municipal Court.
Valarie Jane Campbell, 62, died Jan. 10, 2019, at her residence. Valarie was born July 2, 1956, in Bluffton to the late Raymond and Marcene (Ransbottom) Spangler. On Sept. 19, 1987, she married David Campbell who survives.
Valarie graduated from Bluffton High School and Bowling Green State University. She had also received her massage license. Valarie had worked at Philips Corporation in Ottawa and Matrix Essentials in Solon, Ohio.
Two Bluffton residents – Jeff Sprague and Dave Stratton - continue to play significant roles Allen County economic development.
On Jan. 1 the two were involved in promotions in their roles.
Stratton was promoted to replace Sprague as the president/CEO of Allen Economic Development Group. Sprague became president/CEO of Greater Lima Region.
Prior to the transition, Sprague held both positions. Stratton has served as director of business development for AEDG since 2015. He is a Bluffton High School graduate.
Bluffton girls' basketball team moved to 10-4 overall and 4-0 in the NWC tonight. The Pirates defeated Lincolnview on the road 54-46. Alivia Koenig led Bluffton with 27 points.
Watch the Icon for more details on the game coming soon.
