Charlene Willette Neff, 75. beloved wife and mother, died peacefully at her Ridgecrest, Calif. home on Nov. 27, 2006.
Charlene was born Aug. 15, 1931 in Oak Harbor. The sixth child of Charles and Florence Eherenfieldt, she was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings.
Charlene met Frank Neff 55 years ago on Whidbey Island. They married in Port Townsend on Aug. 19, 1953. Frank’s Navy career set the stage for the couple’s 20 year military journey. Together with their four daughters, they lived in varied locations including California, Texas, Tennessee, Hawaii and Japan. Upon her husband’s naval retirement, Charlene worked as owner and manager of Hueneme Cycle in Port Hueneme, Calif. After selling the motorcycle shop Charlene was employed at Point Mugu, Calif., as a secretary in Frequency Management until 1979 while residing in Oxnard, Calif. The couple then transferred to China Lake to work at the Naval Weapons Center where Charlene worked for the Naval Weapons Department as a CCP, retiring in 1994.
Charlene leaves behind her beloved husband and partner, Frank of 53 years, her four little dollies, Glenda, Patty, Carla and Leslie, three sons-in-law, Mike, Walter and Robert, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and her constant companion Rags. In Washington, she is survived by nephews Ray and Rick; nieces Joan and Carol; cousins, Bob, Garnet, Harve and Ann. In California, she is survived by her sister-in-law Barbara; brother-in-law Glenn; nephew Doug; and nieces Debbie, Linda, Deanna; and a niece April of Florida.
Charlene was a member of the All Faith Chapel, member of the Protestant Women of the Cross and an active member and President of The Order of the Golden Slipper. In 1990, Charlene was honored with the Federal Employees Secretary of the Year Award.
Charlene’s hobbies included crafts, sewing, cooking, RV’ing, games and puzzles. Most of all she was given the gift of hospitality, which she used to entertain her friends and family over the years. Her home was always beautifully decorated for every holiday where all were welcomed and greeted warmly. Charlene worked as a senior center volunteer, and as a Vacation Bible School aide.
Funeral services for Charlene will be held Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel, followed by interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Oak Harbor.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The American Diabetes Association, PO Box 1834, Merrifield, VA 22116-8034 or to Heart of the Valley, Services for Seniors, Inc., PO Box 418, Santa Clara, CA 95052.
