On the evening of Sunday, January 4th, 2026, Darla “Dee” Fay McNeely passed away surrounded by family in Olympia, Washington at the age of 82.

Dee was born April 17th, 1943, in Gary, Indiana to James Robert Gish Sr. and Carrol Lee Kelley Gish. She was raised with her younger brother James Robert Gish Jr. in Evansville, Indiana. She met and married her high school sweetheart John “Doc” Edwin McNeely at Bosse High School in Evansville, Indiana where they graduated in 1961. Their life's journey began when they eloped to Michigan on October 1st, 1962. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed the many adventures they experienced while moving more than 50 times in 63 years.

After she and her family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she embraced her life’s calling in genealogy. She spent many years delving into and documenting her family history and collecting stories from relatives both, close and distant. Her passion for genealogy was so great that in the last decade of her life she often introduced people to family history within 30 minutes of meeting them.

After devoting herself to raising her children Dee spent many years as a small business owner of Two Paws Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada. She and Doc enjoyed traveling the country where she taught classes on engraving eggs, wood, and glass. While teaching these classes she made many friends.

She is survived by her children, Brice McNeely (Mary), Beth McNeely George (Merrill) and Seven Grey aka Brent McNeely, her grandchildren Amber Bowles (Corey), Jessica George, Thomas George, Jared George (Mae), Dylan McNeely and Shelby Ledesma (Ricardo) and great-grandchildren Thea Bowles, Donovan Bowles, Logan Bowles and Anna Bowles and Caden Ledesma. She was also happily awaiting the upcoming birth of another great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held January 19th, 2026, in Olympia, Washington at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In lieu of flowers please donate to The Indiana Genealogical Society via https://indgensoc.org/donations/vblc-donation-form-stripe/