GOP activist and former US Treasurer Francine Neff dies at 84

Former US Treasurer Francine Neff dies at 84

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Francine Neff, who served as U.S. treasurer in the 1970s and was deeply involved in Republican politics for decades, has died at age 84.

Neff, who grew up in rural New Mexico, died Tuesday of heart failure at her home in Pena Blanca, according to her family. A funeral Mass was celebrated Friday.

Born Dec. 6, 1925 in Albuquerque, Neff was appointed U.S. treasurer by President Richard Nixon in 1974, then reappointed by President Gerald Ford and served until 1977.

Friends said Neff’s national service was always a point of pride for Republicans living in New Mexico.

“Francine was a great gal,” former New Mexico Lt. Gov. Jack Stahl said. “She always remained the same person, even when she held a national position.”

Neff grew up in Mountainair, N.M., then attended Cottey College in Nevada, Mo., before graduating from the University of New Mexico with a double major in English and music in 1948.

She co-founded an accounting firm in Albuquerque with her husband, Edward J. Neff, and was active in community and school organizations. She got started in politics by campaigning for GOP presidential nominee Barry Goldwater in 1964. She served as a GOP national committeewoman from 1970-74.

Former New Mexico GOP Chairman James “Corky” Morris said Neff was fiercely protective of her family. While her late husband remained in Albuquerque during her years working in Washington, Morris said the two would meet regularly when Neff traveled as part of her job.

Her daughter, Sindle Sandoval, said that even though her mother served as the nation’s treasurer, “her ability to balance the checkbook was questionable. My dad teased her and said she was perfect for the job because she truly understood deficit spending.”

Morris recalled Neff’s gracious personality and said she seemed comfortable with anyone.

“She could handle it if somebody got ornery with her, but she never forgot where she was from,” he said. “She could go from one space to another, talking to different types of people. She was always a lady but always part of the gang.”