Judith Kay (Overton) Neff
December 05, 2020
Judith Kay (Overton) Neff (Judy) passed away on December 5, 2020 in Des Moines, IA. She was born December 13, 1940 to Otis and Ardys (Mendenhall) Overton.
Judy graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1959. She married the love of her life, Dennis (Denny) Neff on August 15, 1964. They lived in Altoona and welcomed their two sons, Scott and Cory into their lives in the following few years. The family lived in Altoona and in 1980 completely renovated a century old farmhouse just south of town. It was a labor of love and the family will always cherish the memories shared there.
Judy worked for the Legislative Services Bureau at the Iowa State Capital as an Assistant Librarian for 30 years until her retirement. While there, she and her best friend, Jonetta Douglas, published a book about the Iowa State Legislature, “Members of the General Assembly 1981-2014”.
During her younger years Judy was active in the Jaycettes and softball. She and Denny enjoyed taking trips to Vegas and Colorado where she could do the thing she enjoyed most…playing slots. Later years would find her as a familiar face at Prairie Meadows. She doted on her grandchildren – always making them laugh and doing silly things with them. She loved her animals, all of the farm kittens – Suzie was her favorite, her dogs Snooper, Charlie, Teddy, Hope, and Joey, and the dogs she bred; her samoyed, Nikki and huskies, Mandy, Tippy and Duchess. Judy enjoyed spending time reading, mowing the grass at the farmhouse – a never-ending task, researching both the Overton and Neff family genealogy, and watching the sunset with Denny from their deck. Judy’s smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Judy is survived by her loving sons; Scott and wife Deb Neff and Cory Neff; grandchildren, Caleb, Emily, Hannah and Elizabeth; brother, Lonnie (Gwen) Overton; sister, Margo (Edwin) Weiser Durrell; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Denny; parents; sister, Beverly Lowe; step-brother, John “Jack” Overton and step-sister, Shirley Davis.
Due to COVID, the family will greet friends at a drive through visitation at the Altoona Cemetery from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2020. The family is practicing social distancing and masks are required.
Condolences may be mailed to the family at 110 Dooley Ct. SW, Altoona, IA 50009.
Online condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kathy Hanlon
12/15/2020
Judy lit up the Legislative Service Bureau offices and together with husband Denny brought a lot of happiness to the fortunate folks who knew them. My sincere condolences to the Neff family.
Martha Komma
12/15/2020
So sorry for your loss. She will be truly missed. Judy and Denny really knew how to host a New Years Eve party. Happy memories. My condolences to all the family.
Douglas Stephenson
12/13/2020
Shocked and saddened by the loss of Judy Neff. First met her when she worked part time during the Iowa Legislative Session at the Iowa State Law Library. She eventually became a full time employee there and subsequently moving on to the Legislative Service Bureau. One of the best people I've ever known and worked with. As a Freemason I conferred the 2nd Section of the 2nd Degree for her son, Scott, at King David Lodge in Altoona. Myself and fellow staff members shared a lot of good times. Even when she no longer worked with me she always sent me Christmas cards as I returned the favor. This has continued up to this year until I discovered in the morning DMR the shocking and sad news.
I extend my condolences to you Scott and your borhter,, Cory, and both of your spouses plus other family members.
Doug Stephenson
retired State Library employee
Charolette A Noon-Kaster
12/13/2020
Judy and I were best friends in high school. We stayed in contact since even though we rarely visited in person. She was always a bunch of fun and I am sure she will be missed by all who knew her. Blessing of peace and love to her family whom she adored.
Kathie Woodruff
12/13/2020
So sorry to read about your Mom. We had some wonderful times while we lived in Altoona. Scott and Cory my sons send their condolences as well as myself.
Jeff and Todd McCullough
Kathie Woodruff
Sharon Leivan
12/12/2020
sorry to hear of your familt loss she will be missed we wrote many letters working on our neff family history. god bless you all through your grief.
Beth A Lenstra
12/09/2020
I am so very sorry for your loss. Judy was a great lady who loved family, people, animals, and life. She was an eternal optimist, inveterate gambler, and excellent lunch companion. I miss her dearly.