Lydia Neal, age 83, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026.
Born on November 1, 1942, in Regensburg, Germany, Lydia was the daughter of Joseph and Kresencia Meier. She spent her early years in Germany before making Colorado Springs her home, where she resided for 58 years.
Lydia devoted herself to her family as a homemaker while raising her and Larry’s children. Later, she began a career at Red Noland, where she worked as a title clerk. She took great pride in both her family and her work, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew her.
Lydia had a love for adventure and cherished traveling, especially in her camper. One of her favorite destinations was Hawaii, a place she loved to visit whenever she could. She also enjoyed playing games, especially bingo, dancing, and spending time with family. Her greatest joy came from sharing special moments with the people she loved.
A devoted member of Desert Hope Lutheran Church in Tucson, Arizona, Lydia found comfort and fellowship within her church family. She held a special appreciation for Pastor Kent and treasured the friendships and spiritual support she received through the congregation.
Lydia is survived by her loving husband, Larry F. Neal; her children, Michelle Neal, Yolanda Scott, and Yvonne Rose; and her stepchildren, Ronald Neal and Tonda McGehee. She was a proud grandmother to Jacob Paladino, Tevan Fultz, Carina Robinson, Cody Robinson, Colten Smith, and Hayley Mileto. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Kash Fultz (12), Meadow Fultz (6), Kyah Paladino (12), and Leo Robinson (13 days old), and niece Bonita Roberts, all of whom brought tremendous joy to her life.
Lydia will be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, warmth, unwavering love for her family, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Kresencia Meier, plus her two sisters, Irma Ferotti and Elle Ficher.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear.”
A visitation will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday, August 24th, with the funeral service at 10 am on Tuesday, August 25th, at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
A reception will be held following the service, at the home of Larry Neal.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Lydia’s compassion for animals continued even after her passing making it known people can donate their pacemaker to help a dog in need. https://www.aaha.org
I am just one of many friends of Larry and Lydia and the girls. I met them in 1970 through Larry‘s mother. We had Doberman puppies together. My daughter and one of their daughters were deadly sick for a while. I lived in Germany before I came to Colorado so of course Lydia spoiled me with German food. I flew out to see them when I could. We never lost touch with each other. Lydia will surely be missed by many.. Love, from Patricia Hummer in Ohio
I will always remember Lydia’s beautiful smile and welcoming spirit. Whenever you were around Lydia you felt at home. It was so obvious how much she loved her family and treasured the time she spent with family and friends. She was such a special lady and will be greatly missed.
I will always remember you, Ms Lydia. I’m so grateful to have worked with you, and so grateful in becoming good friends. You truly were beautiful and had a beautiful soul. Thank you for being in my life, and my family’s life. I love you and will miss you terribly! We all will miss you!! We will always keep Larry and all your family continually in our prayers! Love Tiffany, Gary and Chris
My mother and Lydia were very close friends and I grew up with the Neals. I always considered Larry and Lydia my Aunt and Uncle and I considered Michelle, Yolanda and Yvonne my cousins. Our families had a lot of great times together. Lydia helped me notify everyone in Germany after my mother passed away 7 years ago. Thank you for all the great memories. I will continue to keep Larry and the girls in my prayers ❤️❤️❤️