Hilda Kronk Neff

Hilda Katherine Kronk Neff, 89, of Strasburg passed away peacefully at her home on August 19 with family by her side. Hilda was born April 22, 1923, near Toms Brook, eldest daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin and Ethel Mae Hahn Kronk. She was a graduate of Toms Brook High School. On June 15, 1947, she married Roy Neff and they were married 56 years before his passing in 2003. She retired from Avtex Fibers and was a life member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Hilda's life centered around the interests and activities of her family. She delighted in attending family activities and always gave unconditional love to all. She and Roy rode motorcycles in the 1940's, raced stock cars in the 1950's (she wrecked one of his cars in a Powder Puff Race and broke several ribs when she went off the track and up a tree) and were active with ""pony racing,"" for over 30 years, raising, training and driving light harness racehorses and travelling all over the East coast, camping in their truck and making many friends. She was also the secretary of Redbanks Raceway for many years. Hilda will be remembered for sending cards with a personal handwritten note to friends and families for every occasion, lunches with her many friends, her caring and kindness for others, her quick laugh and her sweet spirit. Family members include her three daughters, Phyllis Neff Himelright and husband, Ike, Judy Neff Rinker and husband, Rick, all of Strasburg, and Deborah Neff Rickard and Jimmy Pirtle of Mt. Jackson; sisters, Janet Estep of Strasburg and Louise Hausenfluck of Woodstock; brother, Marvin (Buddy) Kronk of Palm Bay, Florida; six grandchildren, Christina Himelright Racey and Todd Himelright and wife, Corrine, all of Winchester, Russell Rinker of Los Angeles, California, Kelly Rinker Cauthorn and husband, Ben, of Stephens City, Chelsey Rickard of Mt. Jackson, and Lindsey Rickard of Winchester; nine great grandchildren, Dylan Morey, Austin Racey; Claire, Caleb, Grant and Elise Cauthorn; and Brayden, Kason and Ella Himelright. She was preceded in death by one sister, Geneva (Betsy) McWilliams, and two brothers, Ralph (Pete) Kronk and Harland Kronk. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Dellinger Funeral Home in Woodstock. A celebration of her life will be on Saturday, August 25, 2012, 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Toms Brook conducted by Pastor Deanna Boynton. Pallbearers will be Ike Himelright, Rick Rinker, Russell Rinker, Todd Himelright, Ben Cauthorn and Dylan Morey. Burial will follow at Sunset View Memorial Gardens in Woodstock. A lunch will follow the graveside service at the church. Hilda loved flowers so they are welcomed or memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, P O Box 162, Toms Brook, VA 22660 or to a charity of your choice.

Hilda Kronk Neff

August 21, 2012