Former United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) steward of many years, Iris McNeil of Lexington, Virginia, age 88, died Monday, July 23, 2007. A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington, Virginia. Flowers may be sent in care of the Harrison Funeral Home, 714 Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. The funeral home may be reached at (540) 463-2912. Florists in the area include Jefferson Florist, (540) 463-9841, and University Florist, (540) 463-6080.

McNeil served as a steward for the Federation, beginning in the mid-1960s, at many prestigious horse shows, such as Devon, the National Horse Show, Washington International and the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit. She donated much of her time to training and teaching others as a panelist for USEF Stewards Clinics.

Some of the honors McNeil received during her life include the Walter B. Devereux Memorial trophy for Sportsmanship, induction into the National Hunter Hall of Fame and Honor Roll of Distinguished Officials – formerly known as the Judge Emeritus Award.

Iris Vilette McNeil was born September 9, 1918 in Botetourt County, Virginia, to the late Forrest O'Connor and Ethel Reynolds O'Connor. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Willard Walker McNeil. She is survived by two sisters, Hazel O. Mays and Ethel (Judy) Newell, both of Lexington; nieces, Bonnie Tyree, Barbara Tyree, Suzanne Entsminger, Patricia Maxwell and Charlotte Smith; and nephews, James Newell and Richard Newell.

ENDS