Neva Chelf
Chelf
Neva Maxine Harbin Chelf age 94, passed away Thursday, April 27, 2023 at OU Medical Center. She was born on October 13, 1928 in Chandler, OK to George and Opal Harbin.
She was the middle child out of five, with two brothers and two sisters. Out of the girls, she was the tomboy of the bunch, usually outside climbing trees and playing ball with her brothers instead of playing with dolls or house. They grew up in Chandler, OK. She was a daddy’s girl. He was a business man, and had a small “fillling station” which was right near the house they lived in. She was quick to help with a windshield wash and tire check which was always free, even if you didn’t fill your tank. Their home and station was on the edge of Highway Route 66 that went through Chandler and she could ID every make and model of car on the road.
After graduating from Chandler High School, class of 1946, she went on to college and graduated from Central State College with a bachelors degree for teaching then she went to Oklahoma State University and graduated with a masters degree in science and a certificate to teach school. She met John Chelf in Oklahoma City; also a OSU graduate; and they married on August 2, 1958.
After a job transfer to Wewoka, John and Neva purchased a small farm and started a family. They had a son in 1961 (John) and then another in 1963 (Jeff). She was blessed with a grandson (Jesse), four granddaughters (Carmen, Eliana, Allison, and Serena) and four great-grandchildren (Lexie, Deirdre, William, and Helena).
Neva retired from teaching at Wewoka Schools. She loved science and nature, and loved every kind of flower, bird, and most bugs, her favorite being luna moths and bright red indian paint brushes that you see along the roads and highways. She loved all kids, and always made time to talk to any toddler she encountered at Walmart, or wherever.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, John Vincent Chelf, siblings, Imogene Harbin, Jimmy Harbin, Buddy Harbin, and Mary Hummer.
She is survived by her children, John Chelf of Wewoka, OK, Jeff Chelf of Wewoka, OK, grandchildren, Jesse, Nathan, Carmen, Eliana, Allison, and Serena, four great grandchildren, Lexie, Deirdre, William, and Helena, along with numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Stout-Phillips Chapel in Wewoka, OK with Brother Jack Fick Jr. officiating. Interment to follow at Parkland Cemetery in Chandler, OK.
Pallbears: Jeff Chelf, John Chelf, Brad Norman, Lonnie Neal, Simy John White, Keith Claybrook.
Honorary pallbearer: Jesse Chelf, Nathan Balliett.
Arrangements by Stout-Phillips Funeral Home in Wewoka, OK.