Gertrude R. Neff, 90, Green Valley, Ariz., formerly of Altoona, died April 26, 2012, in Green Valley.
She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late William P. and Anna (Zauner) Neff.
Surviving are five siblings: William J. Neff of Altoona, A. Madeline Neff of Altoona, Alma L. (Neff) Duman and husband, Leo, of Mesa, Ariz., Sister Mary Neff, C.S.A., of Fond du Lac, Wis., and Mary T. (Neff) Pressler and husband, Carl, of Altoona; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
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She was preceded in death by two sisters: Cleopha Neff and Walburga C. (Neff) O'Neill and husband, John; and a sister-in-law, Gertrude Neff.
Gertrude retired as an occupational health nurse educator. She was a graduate of Georgetown University Hospital of Nursing and received a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Nursing from Catholic University and a Master of Public Health with special emphasis in occupational health from Yale University. She did additional graduate study in cultural anthropology.
Among the various positions Gertrude held were nursing consultant for occupational and migrant health at the Ohio Department of Health, public nurse advisor to Paraguay with the U.S. Agency for International Development and nursing educator at the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety in the Public Health Service.
Gertrude served two tours of duty as a U.S. Army nurse in WWII and the Korean War. She was in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for many years with a final rank of major. She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Green Valley, Ariz.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Altoona, where a committal service will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Mary's Catholic Church, Altoona.
Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona.
