Viola McNeff, 94, of the Kootenai Valley

Viola F. McNeff, 94, a resident of the Kootenai Valley for the past 31 years, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, at a Spokane, Wash., hospital.

In 1983, she and her late husband Cecil came to Libby, where they enjoyed the great outdoors of northwest Montana, spending time hunting, fishing, huckleberry picking and enjoying the scenery of the area.

Viola was born to Otto and Katherine (Engel) Mueller at Columbus, Neb., and was raised and educated in the Columbus and Monroe area; she married Cecil McNeff in 1939. They remained in Nebraska until moving to Wyoming in 1957. They later moved to Libby.  

She had many interests, including her yard and gardening due to her love of flowers; she also pursued quilting and her lifelong ability of being an excellent cook. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her children, nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.  

Viola had been a longtime member of the Faith Bible Church.

Preceding her in death were her husband Cecil; daughters-in-law Marie and Betty; and granddaughter Terra.  

Surviving her are her children Larry McNeff of Anoka, Minn., Gale McNeff and wife Cathy of Torrington, Wyo., Ted McNeff and wife Sandy of North Hampton, N.H., and Tim McNeff and wife Renee of Libby; brother Laverne Mueller and wife Mary Jean of the Denver, Colo., area;  sister Irene Sokol and husband Pat of the Denver, Colo., area; nine grandchildren Cecil, Rodney, Leslie, Kirk, Clayton, Tammy, Brent, Trever and Cameron; as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25 at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Laurie Stuck officiating with committal following at the City of Libby Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.