Mary Margaret Neff

Mary Margaret Neff 77, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 8:55 A.M. Tuesday July 28, 2020 at her residence.

She was born April 4, 1943 in Rochester, Indiana, the daughter of Maurice L. and Margaret L. (Wilson) Sadowsky.  After graduating from Rochester High School in 1961, she attended Butler University, where she was a member of the Phi Beta Phi Sorority, graduating from there with a Bachelor’s degree. She started her professional teaching career at schools in New York City and Chicago, Illinois. 

Mary Margaret married Roger A. Neff on July 24, 1974 in Rochester, Indiana and he survives. She obtained her Master Degree from Ball State University and taught at Caston High School from 1989-2006. While at Caston, she taught English, speech, theater and had been Yearbook sponsor. In January of 1999, she was awarded Teacher of the Month and in 2000 recognized as an Academic Award Recipient. She was highly respected as an educator and known for the many “Petie” Stories. After retiring from education, she continued helping on the family farm with her husband Roger and daughter, Kathy. She enjoyed wintering in the Florida Keys where she enjoyed sailing, boating, and diving, having been certified as a wreck and rescue diver. She attended First Christian Church and was a member of Tri-Kappa.

Survivors include her husband, Roger Neff, Rochester, Indiana, their daughter, Kathy Neff (Orv Huffman), Rochester, Indiana, children, Michael Neff and his sons, Christopher and Thomas, Rochester, Indiana, Rev. Dr. Lori (Rev. Dr. Cleo) LaRue, Pennington, New Jersey, brother, Wilson (Ann) Sadowsky, Belvidere, Illinois, sisters-in-law, Doris (Jim) Clemons, Rochester, Indiana, Phyllis Davidson, North Manchester, Indiana, brother-in-law, Gerald (Irene) Neff, South Bend, Indiana, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Maurice Sadowsky Jr.

Friends may visit from 4-8 P.M. Thursday Aug. 6, 2020 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. Private funeral services will be conducted at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home with burial at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to Caston Comet's Closet through the funeral home. In accordance with state mandates, masks should be worn while visiting with the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com.

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