Obituary of Neita Van Valkenburgh

Neita E. VanValkenburgh Masonville, NY Neita E. VanValkenburgh, 88 ½, passed away August 29th after a brief illness. Neita was born February 16, 1926 in Masonville, daughter of the late Perry and Edith (McMullen) Butts. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin VanValkenburgh, 2 sons, 3 granddaughters and 3 grandsons. She is survived by six children: William (Liz), John (Judi), Neita Ann, Steve (Dianne), Connie Okenica and Vernon; 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchilren and 10 great, great-grandchildren. Neita served as a 4-H Den Mother for the Boy Scouts. She was employed by Keith Clark in 1958, then at American Plastics where she remained for 19 years. She was employed at Sidney School for 28 years, and Neita served as an active member of the Masonville Grange that her family helped organize over 70 years ago. She was an active member of the Masonville Federated Church and served as a deacon. She was a member of the Sidney American Legion, V.F.W. and Moose Club. She was instrumental in developing the establishment of a memorial to the veterans of her community. She as also instrumental in carrying out programs for the children in her community during holidays. In 2002, Neita received the Vision 21 Community Pride Award and a picnic was held to honor her as "Queen for the Day" for her many contributions to the local area. In 2004, she went to Washington D.C. to receive the America's Outstanding Older Worker Award and the Delaware County Outstanding Contribution Award, where she also met Hillary Clinton. For the past 10 years, she worked for Meals on Wheels, the Boys and Girls Club, and was a caretaker for several elderly people. She will be missed by all her family, friends and her community. Friends may call on Saturday, September 20th from 1:00-3:00pm at the Masonville Federated Church, Rt. 206. Masonville, NY 13804. In lieu of flowers, donations in Neita's name may be directed to the New York FFA Foundation, Inc., 9340 Long Pond Road Croghan, NY 13327. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.