Audrey Mae Duke

Born Nov. 3, 1931, in Clearfield, she was the only child of Elmer and Sara (Uncles) Rowles.

Following graduation from Clearfield High School in 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Norman Duke. They shared an adventurous spirit and enjoyed many years of camping, boating, gardening, water-skiing, and motorcycle riding before his passing in 1989.

Her first job was at Schrot’s Grocery Store in Hyde. She was employed at several Clearfield businesses during her professional career, including Clearfield Hospital, Brody’s, State Farm Insurance, Clearfield Machine Co., and Old Town Road Dairy. She retired from Martell Sales and Service in Hyde after many years with the company.

For more than 35 years, Audrey was a devoted Clearfield Alliance Church parishioner, serving as a deaconess, secretary, and greeter. She also was a member of the Clearfield Junior Woman’s Club, the National Campers, Alliance OWLS, and the Joy of Living Bible Study. Following retirement, she served as a Clearfield Hospital volunteer.

A lifelong animal lover, she had horses, chickens, dogs, and cats, including her cat, Honey. When her grandchildren visited her home on Nature’s Lane, she took them on hikes and bike rides, educating them about wildlife and the importance of caring for the environment.

Above all, Audrey was a loving and supportive mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. She was a model of integrity, kindness, generosity, strength, and faith; she made a lasting impact on the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her son, David, his wife, Amy, and their children, Rachel and Sean, of Clearfield. A nephew, Drew Duke, and his family, of Virginia, and several cousins also survive.

In addition to her parents and husband, Audrey was preceded in death by her in-laws, Jesse and Celia Duke, a brother-in-law, Ronald, a sister-in-law, Jeanine, and nephews, Zane and Danny Duke.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Wednesday, March 22, at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, 312 E. Locust St., Clearfield, with the Rev. Duane White officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at the Bradford Church Cemetery in Woodland.

The Dukes are grateful for the exceptional care given to Audrey by Dr. Mark Nartatez and Dr. Richard Bedger Jr.; the doctors, nurses, therapists, and staff at Penn Highlands Clearfield, particularly the nurses on the second floor; Nurses Ruby Maines and Darla Murarik, Aide Shari Metz, Spiritual Counselor Kathie Ann Pearcy, and the hospice team at Penn Highlands Community Nurses; and Clearfield EMS.

The family also appreciates the support, cards, and prayers from family and friends, Graystone Court staff and residents, Clearfield Alliance Church, and Audrey’s close friend, Beryl Wallace. They thank Bradley Dimmick, Debora Kruise and the staff at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home for their compassion and professionalism.

Donations in Audrey’s memory may be made to Penn Highlands Community Nurses (Hospice Care), c/o Fund Development, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, Pa., 15801; Clearfield Alliance Church, 45 Alliance Road, Clearfield, Pa., 16830; Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging-Meals on Wheels, 600 Cooper Road, Curwensville, Pa., 16833; or the Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21st St., Clearfield, Pa., 16830.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bennettandhouser.com for the Duke family.