Mary Fern Duke

Mrs. Mary Fern Duke, 85, of Ottumwa died at Hospice of Davis and Wapello Counties in Ottumwa. Born June 6, 1930 in Letts she was the daughter of Harold and Lillie Dale (Morgan) Heater. On October 12, 1947 she married Leonard Williebob Duke in Burlington. He preceded her in death on March 11, 2011. Mrs. Duke was a member of Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints. She and Leonard raised many Maltese puppies and would proudly tell you she has puppies all over the United States. She enjoyed ladies club and was quite a social butterfly. She enjoyed cooking and sewing - making dolls for all the children and grandchildren. Mostly she was a wonderful caring mother raising seven children, Bill (Debbie) Duke of San Diego, California, John (Michelle) Duke of Middleton, Tennessee, Guy (Cheryl) Duke of Durham, Maine and Moroni Duke of Unknown, Nevada, Kathy (Dennis) Hixson of Bolivar, Tennessee, Lily (Will) Curry of New Virginia and Beth (Steve) Doggett of Ottumwa; 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Survivors include one sister, Marie Rhodes of Burlington; one brother, Dale "Speed" Heater of Morning Sun and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three bro...[more]

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rs, Justus Heater, Paul Heater and Gilbert Heater; and two sisters, Ida Morrow and Jenny Tucker. The funeral service for Mrs. Duke will be 2 p.m. Monday, May 16th, at Lunning Chapel with Pastor Phil Griffith officiating. Interment will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call after 8 a.m. on Monday and the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the time of service. A memorial has been established for Heartland Humane Society in Ottumwa.