Nellie Shantz Neff was the daughter of Mary Jane Yount Shantz and Martin Luther Shantz. She was born November 18th, 1876. Nellie attended Cornell College, graduating in 1900. She married Charles William Neff in 1897, and they ran a furniture store until 1928 and a funeral home until 1953. The pair had four children: Alta, Dorothy, Helen, and Myron. Nellie and C.W. were known for their hospitality toward Cornell students, who the Neffs would house. In 1963, Nellie was made an honorary member of the Cornell Alumni Association for her service to the College. She died March 11th, 1965.