Eleta Jo McNeil

Eleta Jo McNeil, known by her Cherokee name Tahneyah, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 85.

She was born on Thursday, October 12, 1939, to Jack S. Ford Sr. and Juanita B. Quinton Ford.

A proud member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Eleta embraced her Native American heritage throughout her life.

She married Judd McNeil Sr. on October 4, 1967, and together they shared 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2018. They raised six children and built a life full of love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Eleta had a deep love for animals, especially cats and dogs, and found great joy in their companionship.

She is survived by her daughter, Juanita (Steve) McCarty; sons, Charles (Laurie) Martin and Judd Jr. (Carol) McNeil; grandsons, Paul (Angie) McCarty, Andrew (Makenzie) McNeil, and granddaughter, Amanda (Ean) Broz; great-granddaughters, Chloe McCarty, Tiger Lilly Broz, Savannah Broz, and Brooklyn Larssen-Broz; great-grandsons, Klayton McCarty, and Preston McCarty; great-great-granddaughter, Isabella Broz; and sister, June Pine.

Eleta was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Juanita Ford; her beloved husband, Judd Sr.; her son, Eric McNeil; granddaughter, Melissa McCarty; stepchildren, Steven McNeil and Debbie McNeil; and her siblings, Jualice, Lee, Phyllis, Jacky, and Charles.

A visitation was held Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, 407 S. Pine St., Holden, Missouri.

Interment followed at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Holden, Missouri

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to:
• Old Drum Animal Shelter, 35 SW 101st Rd, Warrensburg, MO 64093
• Warrensburg Cat Advocates, P.O. Box 119, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, A Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared at www.castfuneralhome.com