Gladys Joan (Baker) Neff, age 86, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 14, 1940, in Darke County, Ohio, to Arthur and Lilly Belle (Riegle) Baker.
Gladys held several jobs throughout her life before becoming a full-time homemaker. She devoted herself to raising her children and creating a warm, welcoming home for her family. Her home was always spotless, beautifully decorated, and, especially during the holidays, impossible to miss. No matter the occasion, Gladys made sure her home reflected her love for celebrating with the people she loved. She enjoyed spending time working outside, tending to her flowers, and making her yard beautiful.
Gladys had a strong Christian faith and was a member of the Greenville Missionary Church. She was also a member of the Moose. Her faith and her love for others were evident in the way she lived her life. She was always willing to help anyone who needed it and had a heart for people of all ages.
Gladys had a gift for making people feel welcome. If she didn’t know you when she walked into a room, she likely knew you by the time she walked out. She always had a hug for everyone she met. Her home was an open door to family and friends; you didn’t have to knock; you simply walked in and called her name. She was blessed with many dear friends whom she cherished deeply and often reminded others how important her friends and family were to her.
The Great Darke County Fair was one of Gladys’ favorite times of the year. She loved having her camper at the fair and enjoyed welcoming family and friends who would stop by to visit, rest for a while, share a conversation, and enjoy one another’s company. The camper became another place where Gladys’ door was always open, and there was always room for one more.
Known for her wonderful and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor, Gladys could make people laugh and was someone others simply wanted to be around. She was especially devoted to her family and her beloved dog, Libby. Some of the happiest memories were made gathered together around a bonfire, sharing stories, laughing, and simply enjoying time with family and friends.
Gladys was also a passionate Cincinnati Reds baseball fan. She knew the players, their positions, and how they performed. She celebrated every Reds victory and was not shy about expressing her disappointment after a bad game. Her love of the Reds was just one of the many things that made her uniquely Gladys.
Family was at the center of Gladys’ life. She treasured holidays and time spent together and always made sure there were family pictures to capture those special moments. Her greatest joy was having her family around her, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.
Gladys is survived by her children, Beth (Dennis) Wells of Centerville; Kelly (Janel) Byrum of Greenville; Dean (Jody) Neff of Greenville; Bob (Michelle) Miller of Greenville.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael Wells (Sarah) of Kettering, Megan (Kevin) DeRoo of Cincinnati, Travis (Rachel) Neff of Arcanum, Tyler Neff of Greenville, Addison (Allie) Miller of Covington, Abigail Miller of Greenville, Andrew Stegall of Greenville, Kyle (Alexia) Jordan of Greenville, Justin (Rachel) Jordan of Union City, Indiana, Heather Jordan of Ashville, Alabama, Hope Byrum, and Isabelle Crowe; and her great-grandchildren, Hadlee Neff, Payton Neff, Crew Miller, Cael Miller, Brooklyn Goudy, and Baby DeRoo. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Neff; her special friend, Donnie Moyer; her parents, Arthur and Lilly Belle (Riegle) Baker; sisters Ruth (Dave) Rodeheffer, Jean (Tom) Miller, Kathryn Baker, and Grace (Albert) Widener; brothers Kenneth (Norma) Baker and John (June) Baker.
Gladys leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, friendship, and family. Her door may no longer be open, but the love and memories she created inside her home, her garden, around the bonfire, and at the fair will remain in the hearts of the many people who knew and loved her.
Visitation and Services
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, 1499 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331. A service celebrating Gladys’ life will follow at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Gladys Neff to the Darke County Animal Shelter or the Greenville Missionary Church.
