There is a huge hole in many lives with the May 20, 2018, passing of Lila June Hazelwood Neeley.

A long-time resident of Brookville, June earned a bachelor's degree in nursing at Kettering College of Medical Arts in Kettering, Ohio, and practiced at Kettering, Fayette Memorial and Elsie Dryer Nursing Home.  During the past three years, June made her home at Brookville Health Care Center where she mentored a second generation of health care providers.  June spent her final days in her daughter, Janis' home cared for by loved ones.

As a young mother living in Waynesville, Ohio, June put in a large garden and became skilled at preserving its bounty. She was instrumental in preparing Clyde's brothers for adulthood.  As young men they stayed with the family until they could get on their feet, enjoying home-cooked meals, washed and ironed clothes and advice on selecting a spouse.  She was a wife and mother and highly skilled at both.  June, Clyde, Mike and Janis farmed on Snail Creek spending summers in Brookville, putting in big gardens and working tobacco, like many of their neighbors.  During summers, the extended families vacationed at Cumberland Lake, Dale Hollow and spent an entire summer at Seneca Lake.

June was ageless.  Both grandchildren and great grandchildren cherish memories of being led by Grandma in "Indiana Jones" adventures in the hills and creeks of southern Indiana. She was most concerned with the welfare of others rather than her own.  She consistently asked about extended family and friends and kept track of the comings, goings and life events of a wide array of characters.

June is survived by her husband, Clyde Neeley, whom she married July 31, 1951; children Michael (Jackie) Neeley and Janis Neeley (Art) Gabbard; grandchildren Shawn (Alicia) Schuyler. Julie (Greg) Muller, Felica (Laredo) Gin, Kevin (Kata) Gabbard and Joshua (Chrissy) Neeley; 10 great grandchildren; brothers David (Judy) and Paul (Jenny) Hazelwood; many, many nieces, nephews, care-givers and friends.  June was preceded in death by her parents, Zella and David Hazelwood and one sister, Anne.

Pastor Curtis Bond will officiate services on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville at 11:30 a.m.  Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 until time of service.  After burial in Maple Grove, there will be a luncheon at Brookville United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions can be directed to Safe Passage of Batesville.  To sign the online guestbook please visit www.cookrosenberger.com.  The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home are honored to care for the family of June Neeley.