Mae Evelyn Neutzling

Mae Evelyn Neutzling

Our beloved Mae Evelyn Neutzling passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2020, at her home in Escondido, California. Mae was just 19 days short of reaching her 96th birthday, and was a longtime resident of Escondido, living there since the early 1950’s. She was born on May 6, 1924 in Mt. Auburn, Illinois, a small town in Christian County. Her parents were Harvey and Sophia Warnick. Mae grew up in Mt. Auburn and as a child, rode her pony to school. She later received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1947 from Cincinnati Christian University. She started out working as a school teacher, teaching children of multiple grades for many years at the Davis School in the Mt. Auburn School District.

Mae was married in Escondido on August 6, 1955 to Emerson “Dean” Neutzling. They were happily married for 45 years until Dean passed away in 2000. From 1959 through the early 1970’s, she and Dean owned and operated Deano’s Pizza, a popular restaurant on East Valley Parkway in Escondido, specializing in Italian food and known as “the Home of the Square Pizza”.

Mae and Dean were devout Christians and deeply involved in the service of the church, both as members, and holding various positions at both the First Christian Church, and the Hidden Valley Christian Church in Escondido. Among her various roles, Mae was the Senior Calling and Visitation Minister for nearly 20 years, worked extensively on developing the Missions Committee, and was a long-time member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship.

She and her husband traveled extensively throughout the United States, visited Israel and the Holy Land in the 1980’s, and in recent years went on an adventurous Caribbean cruise with her family. Mae loved gardening and always had a beautiful collection of plants and flowers on her patio terrace. In recent years, “Aunt Mae” enjoyed attending family get-togethers, baking, visiting with her friends, and loved being the center of attention at her widely attended 90th birthday party.

Mae is predeceased by her dear siblings, Glenn Warnick, Dorothy Hardy, Lora Walters, and Lucille Halliday. She is survived by her many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Mae had a great sense of humor and an amazingly kind and serving spirit. Over the years she was a permanent fixture at every family and church event, always finding a way to make everyone smile. Mae lived a long and meaningful life and leaves a blessed legacy of ministry and providing for others. We are comforted that she went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Mae will truly be missed by her family and friends, and her memory will forever live on in our hearts. A private family memorial service will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Escondido where she will be interred with her husband.

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