Mrs. Ruby May (Burkhead) Neff, 90, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 10:20 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at Marigold Health Care Center in Galesburg.
Ruby was born September 26, 1935, in Boyle County, Kentucky. Her family later moved to rural Fiatt, Illinois, where she attended Fiatt Grade School from third through eighth grade. They then moved to rural Ellisville, Illinois, where she attended ninth grade at Ellisville Junior High School. Ruby graduated from Spoon River Valley High School in Fairview, Illinois, in 1953.
In May of 1953, Ruby moved to Galesburg and began working at the Illinois Camera Shop and Galesburg Research Hospital. She met the love of her life, Ashton Earl Neff of rural Knoxville, Illinois, and they were married August 12, 1956, at Fiatt Christian Church. Together they were blessed with four children. Ashton preceded her in death on December 11, 1993.
Ruby is survived by her son, Warren Bruce Neff of Galesburg; three daughters, Judy Diane Neff and Ann Marie Morelli, both of Fort Myers, Florida, and Kimberly Rose Neff of Galesburg; one granddaughter, Chasity Lynn Sloan of North Fort Myers, Florida; one great-granddaughter, Ashton Delia Goins of North Fort Myers, Florida; one brother, Raymond (Joan) Burkhead of Canton, Illinois; a sister-in-law; a very special friend of many years, Dwane Groves; and lifelong school friends, Verna Vin Camp of Canton and Rita Hillman Eaves of Galesburg. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Cecil, S.B., R.H., Johnnie, Edward, and Bobby Burkhead, and five sisters, Geneva McDonald, Gladys Strevils, Nellie Perkins, Joan Frew, and Helen Burkhead.
Ruby was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who centered her life around her faith and family. She was active in the Gilson School PTO and served as a Den Mother for the Gilson Cub Scouts. She was a member of the GKG Sewing Club and Hawcreek Extensions. Over the years, she was active in Gilson Church, where she raised her children for 31 years, as well as Knoxville Christian Church and Emmanuel Church, where she served as treasurer of the Dolls Ladies group. Most recently, she was a greeter at First Methodist Church of Galesburg.
Ruby babysat for many families in the Gilson area and operated a house cleaning service for 32 years, serving families in Gilson, Knoxville, and Galesburg. She also worked part-time in food service at Cottage Hospital and the Kensington for six years before retiring in 2016.
She enjoyed tending her flowers, listening to country music, completing word find puzzles, and reading. Ruby was a wonderful cook who took pride in keeping a clean and welcoming home. She especially cherished hosting family gatherings, holidays, and birthday celebrations. Her love for her large family was evident in everything she did.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the chapel, with Pastor Mary Runge officiating. Burial will follow at East Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Galesburg or to the family. Online condolences may be shared at h-p-w.com.
