Barbara Neff passed away on August 28, 2025 after a brief illness. She was at home sweet home and surrounded by her loving family.
Barbara Neff was born on September 19, 1940 in Indianapolis, Indiana and was the daughter of Arthur E. and Elizabeth M. Siefker. The family moved to Greensburg in 1945 where she graduated from Greensburg Community High School and was class valedictorian.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University in 1962, graduating with high distinction.
On January 20, 1963, Barbara married David A. Neff. After completion of David’s Army service, the couple moved to Kansas City, Kansas, in 1967. They moved to Overland Park, Kansas, in 1968.
While living in Overland Park, Barbara was active in the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, serving as president in 1976. She was instrumental in creating legislation for the Johnson County Charter Commission and served on that Commission in 1976. In 1978 she received a Distinguished Citizen Award from United Community Services of Douglas County.
The family moved to rural Douglas County, Kansas in February 1978, where Barbara was once again active in the League of Women Voters serving as President of the LWV of Lawrence-Douglas County and on the board of the League of Women Voters of Kansas.
Barbara received an MBA from the University of Kansas in 1984 and passed the CPA examination in Kansas. She served as a Lecturer in Accounting at KU and worked for private companies before establishing her own business, Neff Accounting & Computer Services, in 1989. She retired in 2002.
After retirement, Barbara enjoyed traveling and camping with her husband. She and Dave were among the founding members of Happy Time Squares, a Lawrence square dance club. They enjoyed square dancing in Lawrence and traveled to other cities as well as state and national square dance conventions.
Dave and Barbara own a home at the Lake of the Ozarks and spent many happy times there with family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, Dave; three children, Suzanne (Jerry) Sundbye, Robert (Julie) Neff, and Stacey (Terry) Watts; eleven grandchildren, Jaydon, Ryley & Kara Sundbye, David, Laura, Ryan & Aaron Neff, and Ellie, TJ, Sarah & Luke Watts. She is also survived by a sister, Carol Doerflinger, of Greensburg, Indiana, and brother, Bob Siefker, of Greenwood, Indiana.
Cremation is planned and a celebration of life will be held at the family home, 767 E. 1250 Road, Lawrence, Kansas on September 20, 2025 from 1pm to 4pm. There will be a private family graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology Center or the charity of choice.
Barb & Dave are our close neighbors at the Lake ……. spent many an evening getting together for dinner and games afterwards, especially her favorite ……. Rummikub! We always look forward to seeing their visiting families on the weekends. We’ve seen the grandkids grow up and become adults! We feel very thankful Barb invited us into their family 25 years ago! We’ll miss you, Barb.
I met Barbara when I worked at the LMH physical therapy clinic. She was so kind and friendly. It was a joy to see her come in. My sympathy to all of those who knew her.
Sorry for your loss Julia. Never meet your mother. I’m sure she was a wonderful person like yourself. Take a care and God bless.
Dave & Family, my thoughts & prayers go out to you. So enjoyed knowing her sweet spirit & smile at square dancing. God Bless
Sending so much love to you all.
Our lives were enriched knowing Barbara. We will miss her.
Deepest sympathy. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Thoughts and prayers to Barbara’s family. She was a very special lady, thoughtful and caring in so many ways. Thankful I had the privilege of having her as a friend.
Dave and family- Barbara was a wonderful lady and she enjoyed being involved wherever she was needed. I so enjoyed her input at Book Club.
Thank you for sharing her with so many of us.
So many wonderful memories of such a sweet and classy lady going all the way back to 1963 in Ft. Sill. OK. We will sorely miss all the great times we had at her house and at our house and at dozens of other places.