Patricia Ann Davis Duke

Patricia Ann Davis Duke, 84, returned to her heavenly home on Christmas morning, 2018 as a gift to many loved ones anxiously awaiting her arrival. She was recently diagnosed with cancer. Pat was born on March 8, 1934 in Waverly, Illinois to Lois Lucille Richards and Robert Melvin Davis. She had two sisters and a brother.

She graduated from Waverly High School in 1952. She was active as pitcher of the girl's softball team, playing saxophone and drum major in the band. She was also in the choir and loved to dance.

Pat joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in August 1959 and was a faithful member. She never once questioned that decision. She was a disciple of and had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. Pat served in two Stake Primary presidencies, as a devoted visiting teacher and in many other church callings. She and Fred served a stake mission to Randolph, AZ for Sunday services. They also served at the LDS Family Services as stake missionaries. She was very diligent and faithful in her church responsibilities.

In May 1961 she married Fredrick Thomas Duke. They settled in Mesa, AZ where they raised nine children and were later sealed in the Mesa temple in October 1975. She had two sons from a previous marriage to Thatcher 'Red' T. Gibson. Pat was a devoted and fiercely loyal mother to her children. When asked what she wanted for Christmas, birthdays or Mother's day the answer was always the same. "Obedient Children!" Then later when there were grandchildren she added "and obedient grandchildren."

Pat was an amazing seamstress and many of her beautiful finished projects were worn by her children and grandchildren. She also machine embroidered quilts and towels for many, if not all, of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her cooking skills were unique. She tried to improve recipes by adding new ingredients and rarely did the same recipe ever taste the same. Many benefited from her cooking as she provided meals for those in need. Pat was an avid BYU fan. She loved the Cougars and could be heard saying "They're going to win" even when they were sorely behind. She enjoyed beautiful music and had a lovely voice. Of all of Pat's many talents, her favorite was as a family history expert. Many thousands of hours were spent over the years in doing research to connect our family together. She had a deep and abiding love for her ancestors.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Lois Darlene Reed, brother, Wilbur 'Billy' Richard Davis, a granddaughter, Korrina Marie Gibson and a great-granddaughter, Amy Joyce LeSueur. She is survived by her husband, Fredrick Thomas Duke, Sr., a sister, Barbara Rosalie 'Rosie' Schroeder and her children, Duane (Annette) Gibson, Terryl (Carolyn) Gibson, Lucinda (Kim) Echols, Tricia (Nathan) Berrett, Alana (Jim) Niemela, Fred Jr. (Shannon) Duke, Darwin (Connie) Duke, Jon (Danielle) Duke, and Glen (Stacie) Duke. She will be missed by them and her 50 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held, Saturday, January 5th, 2019 at 10 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints building at 2517 E Ocotillo Rd. San Tan Valley, AZ. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9-9:45 am. Condolences may be sent to family members at Horizonfuneralcare.com