Betty Joann Duncan

Betty Joann Duncan, age 87, passed away peacefully early November 6, 2022 at Northwoods Village in Kokomo, Indiana. Born September 24, 1935 to William and Anna “Wheeler” Thieke. The 4th of 5 daughters. Betty is a Kokomo High School graduate from the class of 1953. She was married to the late Donald “Ducky” Duncan (1935-2007) on September 11, 1953.

Betty leaves behind her sister Mary Linville of Florida, son Bill Duncan and spouse Maggie “Baldridge” Duncan, her daughter Lisa Duncan and partner Dave Babb, four granddaughters: Amanda Duncan, Lauren “Duncan” Laird and spouse Sean Laird, Elise “Duncan” Collins and spouse Caleb Collins and Marlea “Duncan” Smith and spouse Josh Smith, grandson Hunter Martin and seven great-grandchildren: Damian Alvarez, Jackson Huffman, Scarlett, Crash, Arya and Gunnar Laird, Avery Martin, as well as the new addition of TJ and Jaedyn Walton.

She was known as Aunt Betty to many.

Preceding her in death were her parents, and three of her four sisters, Marie Sitzes, Jean Graves, and Dorothy Byers-Hughes. Betty also had two daughters that passed away, Karen Suzanne Duncan passed away at two years old, and Carrie Ann Duncan who passed away shortly after birth.

Together, Don and Betty owned and operated Ducky’s Family Restaurant for 33+ years. Ducky’s was a home away from home to many in the community because of the family-friendly atmosphere Don and Betty, family and staff provided. Prior to Ducky’s they owned and operated Duncan’s Drive In. Though Betty was an asset in the shadows of the restaurant, she was a ray of light to be around. Like Ducky, she never met a stranger and was a joy to be around.

Betty had many talents that originated from the Thieke family’s gospel quartet where she played piano and the accordion. She did crafts like ceramics, painting, and scrapbooking especially with her grandkids. Betty was known as the “euchre shark” of the family. She always maintained a welcoming home telling stories, providing home cooked meals, and getting down on the floor to play with her grands. She centered her life around family, never missing a performance or game.

Betty was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Ladies Auxiliary and was crowned National Sweetheart in 1991. A most fitting title. She participated in the Black Hat Society and the Eagles Lodge where she made lifelong friends and memories.