ROSE MARY NEFF, 73,

of Green Valley and formerly of Colorado Springs, Colo. and San Diego, Calif., departed from this life on Sunday, May 31, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

She is survived by her loving husband John Neff; son Michael Neff of Jacksonville, Fla.; daughter Melissa Simons of Green Valley; sister Sandra Sutherland of Corona, Calif.; brother Richard Fike of Orange, Calif.; cherished grandchildren Janice and Robert Neff of Jacksonville; and many nieces and nephews.

Rose had a wonderful caring heart, inquiring mind, and can-do spirit. She will always be remembered for her energy, love of life, and spirited attitude.

She was born in Michigan and reared in California from an early age. She was a graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and received a master’s degree in Special Education for the Gifted at the University of New Mexico. She taught elementary school in Albuquerque and later identified gifted children at schools in the surrounding area.

She followed her husband to San Diego and became interested in the travel industry. She was a certified travel consultant and traveled world wide.

Her interests revolved around the quilting industry. She was an avid quilter, loved to teach others about quilting and held leadership roles in quilting guilds in California, Colorado and Arizona.

A memorial service for Rose will be held at the Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery at 11 a.m. with viewing beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2009.

She loved flowers but in lieu thereof, donations in her memory to the American Heart Association may be made. Rose will be interred at the Sierra Vista Veterans Memorial Cemetery.