Elaine Duke

Elaine Whitney Duke, 95, passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, after a long and beautiful life. Born and raised in Parowan, Utah, Elaine was the last surviving member of the Parowan High School Class of 1949, a distinction she carried with pride and gratitude for the community that shaped her.

Elaine was married to the late Ralph Lamar Duke for nearly 70 years. Together they had two children who were the center of her world. She was also the proud grandmother of six grandchildren, three grandsons, and three granddaughters, and the cherished great-grandmother of eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elaine spent her adulthood faithfully serving in many callings. Her quiet strength, testimony, and willingness to give her time and talents blessed countless lives throughout the years. She was known for showing up reliably, humbly, and wholeheartedly whenever she was needed.

The care she showed at home and church extended to her part-time job-turned-passion: gift wrapping at ZCMI. What began as a job became craft, and her beautifully wrapped packages were an extension of who she was, careful, thoughtful, and full of love.

She is remembered for her gentle spirit, kindness, and soft humor. She provided a warm and welcome home to countless family friends, who called her Grandma, despite having no relation. Her family feels gratitude for the many years they got to share with her and find comfort in knowing she has reunited with the love of her life, Ralph, and other loved ones gone before her.

Elaine is survived by her two children, David and Becky, and by Becky’s spouse, Garth Badura. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jordan Duke (spouse: Danielle), Victoria Avery (spouse: Sean), Natasha Hall (spouse: Trevor), Dominique Badura, Casey Duke, and Corby Earl; as well as eight great-grandchildren: Austin and Drake Earl, Holden Boley, Isaiah Hall, Zella Avery, and Ruby, Marshall, and Cella Fox.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Pleasant View 1st Ward Chapel, 650 East Stadium Ave., Provo, Utah. The family will receive friends at the church, Thursday, January 8, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will follow in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended online at www.bergmortuary.com.