Marion R. Durham

Marion Roberta (Key) Durham, age 83, of New Pekin, Indiana passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024. Marion was known as many nicknames including Berta, Mabel, and Jitter. She was born on December, 14th, 1940 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Robert Lee Key and Carrie Louise Key. Over the years there was never just one Marion – daughter, wife, cafeteria assistant, UofL Dental School assistant, realtor but her favorite accomplishment was being a homemaker and a generous one at that. After losing the love of her life, Carl, she found a special friendship and love with Charlie. She was extremely resilient with strength and fortitude, always put the needs of her children first and shared her many blessings with anyone that needed a lift, anyone. Numerous people spent time in that extra basement bedroom. She found happiness in her children, their children and their children, as well as her abundance of friends and extended relatives. Mabel/Berta/Jitter had a way to make you smile and KNOW you are greatly loved. While teaching her family how to do the things she loved like working in the garden, picking blackberries and canning enough food to feed the community, she was preparing us for the future. She loved to sew and shared that talent. Being quite artistic she hand painted porcelain and ceramic doll heads, making the bodies and clothing with her best friend, Margie Young. Always a head, arm, leg laying around the house. Lol She could have won the “Worlds Messiest Christmas Tree” award, but it was covered with loving memories and always beautiful. Doesn’t everyone dance and sing while they clean house – do your chores, make it fun and get it over with. She had a great love of animals - her Yorkies, rescued dogs and cats, her grand-dogs and great grand-dogs. And they loved her back, especially Mongo. She absolutely loved to travel visiting Ireland, Scotland, the UK, Hawaii, many places in the US and enjoyed several cruises with family and friends and her special partner, Charlie Rightnour. Family time is quite memorable – from playing poker, to sledding, to Nerf Gun wars in the living room. She was right there in the middle of us. I don’t think Mabel believed in being “old”. She was always ready for the next adventure, and this is a big one. She made it clear that the best way to live is to always be proud of who you are and where you came from. When you mess up (and you will) be humble, learn from it and do better. Spread love, happiness and smiles in memory of Marion Roberta Durham. Marion is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Junior J. Hicks; second husband, Carl P. Durham; son, Mark J. Hicks; step-son, David Durham; grandson, David Jeremy Coons; brother, Robert "Buddy" Key; sister, Peggy Key Brown; and many aunts, uncles and loved ones. She is survived by a large and loving family including her significant other, Charles "Charlie" Rightnour; her children, Karen J. Hicks, Ricky L. (Lisa) Hicks, Gloria K. (Brian) Walsh, Robert D. (Heather) Hicks, Bob Wilson, and Daryl Hogan; step-son, Kenny Durham; grandchildren, Jenifer Angelini, Jacob S. Coons, Brian "Drew" (Emmalie) Walsh, Bo (Tera) Hicks, Kendall K. Walsh, Melanie (Derek) Straney, Sydney Schmitt, Carter Hicks, Joe Bellezza, Ray (Tate) Edwards, Teah M. Davis, Leah D. (Adam) Landis, Conner McCaffrey, and Michael (Mickey) McCaffrey; great grandchildren, Cameron Coons, Caitlyn Coons, Makenzie Coons, Alysa Angelini, Chandler Angelini, Braden Hicks, Jenna Hicks, Charles (Charlie) Watson Walsh, Isla Rene Straney, Abel Davis, Hudson Landis, and Bentley Landis; great great grandchildren, Jace Jumper, and Jivanni Jumper. A visitation for Marion will be held Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, IN 47150. A visitation will occur Monday, July 22, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Kraft Funeral Service. An entombment will occur Monday, July 22, 2024 at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park.