Lucille Duke passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024 at the Annandale Care Center in Annandale, MN. She was born June 15th, 1935 to Ronald and Florence Bateman in Tucson, AZ. She was the eldest of four children raised in St. David, AZ where she was a beauty pageant winner in her teenage years. Her graduating class-size was barely a handful of students, and Lucille stayed in touch with her friends and family throughout her journey as life brought her all around the country, from East Coast to West and back again.

Lucille attended the University of Arizona before marrying Wallace E. Duke in 1955. After leaving Arizona, she lived in Texas, California, New York, Idaho, and finally Minnesota. She raised her family of four sons and one daughter in Katonah, NY and then later in Emmett, Idaho. She lived most of her later life in South Salem, NY where she could be near most of her children. 

Lucille lived a modest life and never sought the approval of others. She was extremely proud of her role as executive secretary and retired from this position, feeling that she had given a meaningful contribution to her employer. In retirement, Lucille spent time on walks around her neighborhood where she made friends with anyone who took the time to speak with her. Lucille was an excellent listener, which made finding friends effortless, yet deeply meaningful for her. She spent a great number of hours each year planting and tending to floral arrangements around her home which brought joy to her neighbors.

Lucille was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lucille blessed the lives of those she encountered through her music and her other service. Lucille loved to play the piano and it brought her a sense of purpose to do so for the church in as many settings as she was asked. For a long period of time, she enjoyed playing the piano for the Spanish speaking meetings. Although she spent those hours not understanding any of the words which were being spoken, she always felt a great peace being surrounded by others who shared her Christian values.

Lucille exemplified Christ-like love for all who knew her. She always made people feel that they were valued. Lucille was often heard telling others how lucky she was, only to correct herself and say how blessed she was after a friend of the family changed her perspective on “luck”. 

She was blessed to live near Wally (Melissa), Earl (Becky), Joe (Lori and their children: Sam and Grace) for most of her life.

Lucille was an avid fan of her grandchildren in all of their activities. She made many trips across the country to be present for meaningful life-events with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She felt greatly blessed to live near Sam and Grace through their school years and was in attendance at as many of their activities as she was able.

In her final years, Lucille moved to Minnesota where she was a resident of the Annandale Care Center.  She continued to enjoy walks around the facility and meeting kind and caring staff and residents; she “just (couldn’t) get over how kind all of the staff were”. She was frequently visited by her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Lucille is survived by her four sons: Wallace (Melissa) of South Salem, NY, Hugh (LaNeen) of South Haven, MN, Ronald (Becky) of Scottsdale, AZ, and Joe (Lori) of Stormville, NY. She was preceded in death by her Daughter Deborah.

Lucille also leaves behind two Brothers, Connie of Vale, OR and Calvin of Springfield, MO. She was preceded in death by her brother Ron.

Lucille was a grandmother to eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

Lucille loved many. She impacted many through her kindness and goodness. The family asks that those who were blessed by her, take the time to pass goodness and kindness on to others.