Jeanne Mcneff

Jeanne Kay (Frates) McNeff age 79, of Brule, NE, passed away December 21, 2022, following a brief illness of pneumonia. Her family was at her bedside. She had been visiting her daughter and family in York, NE, and had spent a week doing many of the things she loved, especially playing multiple games of cards (and winning), scrabble, yahtzee, gambling at her favorite casinos, spending time with her family and keeping us entertained.

Jeanne was born on May 29, 1943, to Norman "Tater" and Pauline (Mueller) Frates and shared this birthday with her fraternal twin Joanne. She attended Brule Public Schools, where she made plenty of memories and shared several stories of mischief. Jeanne loved growing up on the farm, enjoying the outdoors as much as possible, and told many stories of mischief and adventure from driving the field trucks at WAY too young of an age, swimming in the "ditch," terrorizing her sisters, and dragging home many pets including a skunk and a raccoon! She attended one year of college in Kearney, NE, where she kept the dorm mother on her toes and made many friends.

She married her high school sweetheart, Bruce McNeff, on June 23, 1963, and enjoyed just under 54 years of marriage, filled with many joys and hardships, always teaching us that even though they were seasonal opposites, they would work together to take care of each other and their family. They were blessed with four children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. All of whom she was extremely supportive of and proud.

Jeanne spent her life collecting many skills, jobs, and friends of various walks of life. She was, first and foremost, a fierce mother, dedicated farm wife, and strong supporter of all. She spent many years working for the Farm Service agency, measuring fields, climbing grain bins, and testing corn and wheat. She then worked for many years at Indian Hills Manor in different roles as medication aide/laundry and Director of Environmental Services. If there was a need, Jeanne would be called, and she would show up for anyone. Jeanne enjoyed several activities such as bowling, camping, canoeing (even at flood stage in the dark), sailing (which she decided she wanted to learn one day, so she bought a sailboat and taught herself), volunteered on the voting board right up to this year, volunteered for the EMS, taught years of CPR and first aid, taught Girl Scouts how to camp, canoe and survive (believe me, she came up with many obstacles for us to endure), regaled us with many stories of EMT shenanigans, fostered her daughters and granddaughters love for healthcare and emergency/trauma work, assisted with calf 4H, volunteered and worked for the wrestling community and drove car loads of young wrestlers all over the US for tournaments, supported all of her children in their many activities, was a quilter and clothing maker, learned to brew kahlua and wine, was a spectacular cook, loved playing cards with family, friends and in her community card groups, and showed up for anyone who called in need. I am sure I am missing a thing or two! A friend recently said, "if you weren't having a good time when Jeanne was around, you weren't trying very hard." She taught us to be strong, be present and be your true self. Work hard, and enjoy where you are---it makes it easier. Jeanne had a strong personality, an infectious laugh, a heart of gold, and a sharp wit. She was a great wife, an amazing mom and grandmother, and a terrific friend. She was very loved. She will be missed.

Jeanne had very strong thoughts on death, and often said, "when it's your time, it's your time...there is a time for everything". She had strict instructions to not allow us to stand around and cry, but to celebrate her life as she lived it....out loud and in Jeanne style.

Survivors include son Brian and wife Chris McNeff, daughter Carol and husband John Biel, grandsons Seynen McNeff and Caylen McNeff, granddaughter Emily Jeanne, great-grandson Asher and great-granddaughter Andi Barbara Jeanne, siblings twin sister Joanne and Richard VanVelson, sister Linda and Mike Spangler, brother Chuck and Connie Frates, brother in law Russ and Debbie McNeff and many loved nieces, nephews numerous friends and of course her treasured cats Bates and Gabe.

She was preceded in death by husband Bruce, son Andy McNeff, daughter and son-in-law Toni and Tim Hindman, granddaughters Ardena and Jessica Hindman, parents Tater and Pauline Frates, sister Bette, and several close friends whom she treasured.

A celebration of life will be held at the Brule Congregational Church on March 25, 2023, at 1:00 pm with Pastor Lisa Hadler officiating. Inurnment will be at the Brule Cemetery.

There will be a time of congregation/sharing with coffee and desserts following the service at the Brule Community Hall.

Memorials will be distributed to the Brule Congregational Church, Lions Club, Brule Volunteer Fire Department/EMS, and other areas of the Brule community as needed. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.