Zane Neff

Zane Neff, 82, of Edinburg, Virginia, passed away on July 15, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. He is the son of the late Fred H. Neff and Ada Dove Neff. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean Saum Neff, his daughter, Pamela Neff Hern and her husband Micheal of Richmond, Virginia, his son, Zane S. Neff and his wife Barbara of Bowie, Maryland, his grandchildren, Addison and Emma Hern and Shelby and Kristen Neff, his brother Bobby S. Neff and his wife, Wanda, his sister Pollyanna Halterman and her husband, Carson, sister-in-law Mary Neff, and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack S. Neff. Zane was born at home in Quicksburg, Virginia on October 6, 1928. He grew up working hard on the family farm creating memories with his brothers and sister that he would cherish throughout his life. He graduated from Triplett High School and was an outstanding athlete and student, but his love was for Valley League baseball. Zane and Jean were married on March 25, 1954. Like many of his generation, he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954-56 and was stationed in Japan. Upon returning to Edinburg, he attended Madison College. He then began his career in the family hardware business at Hugh Saum Company in Edinburg and was involved in the hardware industry serving as Director, Officer and President of The Hardware Association of the Virginias (VA-WVA). Zane worked tirelessly at the hardware store until he closed the Shenandoah County landmark and retired in 1989. Zane loved Edinburg and Shenandoah County, and he devoted countless hours to discharging his civic duty serving in many official and unofficial capacities over the years. He was a member of the Edinburg Town Council, the Chamber of Commerce (1992 Citizen of the Year), and the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department (1973 Fireman of the Year). Zane was active with the annual Ole Time Festival and for many years directed the parade. He was active in the Democratic party and served as District Chairman. Many will remember seeing Zane at the polls during elections as he served as Chief Election Official for the Edinburg precinct. He served on various boards including 29 years on the Board of Directors of Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (SHENTEL). He also served on the board of Citizen's National Bank, now known as SunTrust. Zane took great joy in raising funds to make the County Library a reality and he was a Director Emeritus of the Library Foundation. He was proud to be a founding member and a Director of the Shenandoah Community Foundation. Zane was a member, former Treasurer, and Deacon of the Edinburg Christian Church. Throughout his adult life, he and Jean were blessed with many true friends and enjoyed traveling for business and pleasure. Their weekends were filled with the social antics of the ""Gateway to the West Club,"" their supper club, domino get-togethers, and sporting-event parties. Even more than golf, Zane loved being with his grandchildren playing games and teaching them to fish. He steadfastly stressed the importance of education and continued to be an integral part of their lives until his death. His family and friends will miss his steady hand, his mischievous nature and his enthusiasm for life. His family will receive visitors at The Edinburg Christian Church in Edinburg, Virginia, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2011. On Tuesday, July 19, 2011 following a private graveside service, a Memorial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Dellinger's Funeral Home in Woodstock, Virginia. A reception will follow at the Edinburg Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Shenandoah Community Foundation and the Shenandoah County Library Foundation.

Zane Neff

July 17, 2011