Inez McNeff

Inez Maurine Vance McNeff, 92, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois, died peacefully in her sleep, leaving her earthly home to be with her Lord and Savior; her daughters by her side, at 10:40 a.m. Monday, February 13, 2023.

Inez was born February 8, 1931 in Mt. Sterling, IL, the daughter of Fredda Marie Lamma/Vance and Glen Allen “Jim” Vance. The fifth oldest of 10 children, many of whom she helped raise and educate.

On October 16, 1954, she married her sweetheart of many years, Gilbert “Gib” McNeff at the home of her sister Betty and husband Steve Perry in Timewell, IL. Gib preceded her in death March 23, 2012.

Inez attended Brown County Schools where she was an honor student, and graduated from Quincy Beauty Academy in 1948. She started her career working for Elva Zorn and later thereafter for her mentor and dear friend E.K. Helmer. In July of 2021 she retired after 70 years of owning and operating Inez Beauty Bar, which started in the home of her Mother, at 209 West Union Street, and later moved to 110 West Maine in Mt Sterling. Inez had many faithful employees over the years, all of whom she loved as family. Retiring with her were Rose Ann Huber working with her 50 years and Giuletta, “Julie” Vlahovich, with her 12.

Inez had a servicing agreement with Milroy Tuxedos for many years. She took great pride in fitting and personally altering to perfection tuxes for “her boys” special events. Often, if she found someone who could not afford one, they too would be taken care with the same care, at no charge.

For many years, Inez owned “My Mom’s Dress Shop” in Mt. Sterling. She loved taking her family on buying trips to Chicago and St. Louis.

Inez and her husband Gib owned G & I Homes, and G & I Farms, where they farmed over 1000 acres as well as raised and trained standard bred race horses, all including the Buckhorn name. Among these was their prize mare:Buckhorn Society.

Inez was extremely devoted to her community. She served on the Mt. Sterling City Council several terms, was a member of the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374 Auxiliary and was named Brown County Citizen of the year 1991-1992.

She was a member of the Mt. Sterling First United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities. Inez was a humble servant. Although you would often find her singing in the kitchen, it was not until later years she was convinced to sing in the choir and finally to solo. Her renditions of old country gospel will always remain in the heart and minds of all those fortunate enough to hear her sing.

Inez was a kind, compassionate and loving lady. It was never a surprise to find strangers or those who had no place to go for the holiday, at family dinners and gatherings. There were also many meals delivered to clients and friends who were shut in.

Survivors include two daughters Gilberta VanAusdall Dorsey of Quincy, Illinois and Sue Moore (Frank) of Mt. Sterling, Illinois.  Four grandchildren Roni VanAusdall and Rene VanAusdall  of Quincy, Illinois; Craig Moore (Christina) of St. Louis, Missouri and Rebecca Moore of New York, New York.  Six great grandchildren William Gilbert, Jack Benjamin and Caroline Grace Moore all of St. Louis, Missouri. Beckham Hunter, Adley Rose and Alani Raye VanAusdall all of Quincy, Illinois.  Three sisters Rose Brooks of Quincy, Illinois, Betty Lou Perry of Timewell, Illinois and Phyllis Vanzant (Weldon) of Mt. Sterling, Illinois.  Two sisters-in-law Sharon Lamma of Carlinville, Illinois and Betty Vance of Hannibal, MIssouri also survive along with numerous nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers Ed and Dick Vance and Bill and Bob Lamma and two sisters Ruth Vance Perry and Isabelle “Punkin” McClelland.  

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Dale Gadberry officiating. Those unable to attend are invited to watch Inez’s service live on her obituary page of the funeral home website, hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

Burial will follow in the Hersman Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. 

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Sterling First United Methodist Church Elevator Fund. 

Condolences for the family may be left on line at hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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