Mary Jane "Janie" Alkek Duke

Mary Jane “Janie” Marts Alkek Duke, 75, passed peacefully on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at her home in Victoria, Texas. She was born on October 19, 1937 in Mt. Vernon, Ohio to the late Lewis A. Marts and Wanita Marts.

She grew up in North Carolina and after graduating from Aberdeen N. C.

High School, she moved to Texas.

She was a loyal and valued member of Trinity Episcopal Church where she

was active in the choir for over 40 years. She retired from working at Trinity Episcopal Church and School after 34 years of service.

She enjoyed playing cards, games, reading and taking cruises with her husband, Tommy and friends. Her interest in genealogy led to research her family into the 1600’s and to becoming a member of The Daniel Braman Chapter Daughters of the American Colonists, The Daughters of the American Revolution and The First Families of Ohio.

She is survived by husband Thomas B. Duke of Victoria, daughter Cheri Alkek of Victoria, son Keith Alkek of Austin, stepdaughters Diane Alkek Kneupper of Victoria and Denise Duke Nance of Round Rock, stepson Dr. Thomas Scott Duke of Juneau, Alaska, grandchildren Nicolle and Amber Brown, Zachary and Shelby Alkek, step grandchildren Kayla and Rylie Nance, Cary and Jon Kneupper, brother William Marts and wife Sandi of Aberdeen, N. C., sister Faith Ann Moshier of Kentucky, sister-in-law Jane Marts of Charlotte, N. C., cousin Jean Marts Reed of Fredericktown, Ohio and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Janie was preceded in death by her late husband Edward W. Alkek and her brother Dr. John Marts.

Visitation will be held at Rosewood Funeral Chapel on Thursday, November 1st from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1501 N. Glass, on Friday, November 2nd at 10:00 am with The Rev. Bur Dobbins officiating.

Pallbearers will be Zack Alkek, Joe Graves, Tom Hickner, William Kelly, Jr., David Robinson, and Duncan Sutherland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 1501 North Glass Street, Victoria, TX 77901 or to Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Ave, Victoria, TX 77901.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com