Memorials

Virginia L. Neel, 88, formerly of Oak Pointe, Columbia City, died at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Norwood Nursing Center, Huntington where she had been a resident since April 2009.

She was born June 21, 1921, in Laud, a daughter of Paul E. and Bessie (Kalb) Raber. She graduated from Jefferson Center High School.

On July 1, 1939, she was united in marriage to Frederick V. Neel. They made their home in Kokomo, Columbia City, Fort Wayne and Roanoke. Mr. Neel died February 28, 1978.

A bookkeeper, she retired from Hoffman Insurance Company.

Her memberships included Laud Christian Church.

Surviving relatives include a son, Vernon L. (Theda) Neel of Huntington; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a great great grandson; and a sister, Helen Avins of Columbia City.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Frederick P. Neel and a sister, Mary Lou Alexander.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. James Clifford, pastor of Laud Christian Church, officiating. The burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Laud Christian Church or Heartland Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com