Alma Vivian Duke, 90, of Olathe, Kansas passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, January 28, 2024. She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to everyone she knew.
Vivian was born on May 12, 1933 in Liberal, Missouri to Wilbur Glen and Novella Ivarene (McClendon) Venable. She spent her childhood years working on the family farm before moving to Levasy, Missouri. During her high school years at Levasy, she played basketball, softball, and was a baton majorette. During her senior year, she was elected as "Levasy Homecoming Queen".
Following High School, Vivian went to work for Sears Roebuck in Kansas City. On February 18, 1953 Vivian walked out the front doors of Sears Roebuck and met for the first time, the love of her life, Riley Duke. It was love at first sight. They were married and enjoyed 67 wonderful years together before the Lord called him home. She was passionately devoted to Riley, and spent much of his final years caring for him as his health declined.
Vivian loved the Lord and attended the First Christian Church of Olathe with her family. In later years, they were faithful members of the Olathe Bible Church. Vivian always had a loving servant’s heart. She often served others in need with great compassion, and for many years, volunteered at the Good Samaritan Center, and at the Olathe Medical Center. Vivian also loved Bluegrass and Country music. One of her greatest joys was traveling with her family to festivals throughout the Midwest where she made numerous lifelong friends.
Her loving husband Riley Anderson Duke, her parents, sisters Nettie Lou, Betty, Glenna, and brother Wilbur preceded Vivian in death. Her sons Monty Duke and his wife Diane of Olathe, and Kevin Duke and his wife Christie of Olathe survive her. Left behind to cherish her memory are her eight grandchildren, Christine Walters and her husband Loren, Stephanie Perez and her husband Derek, Jennifer Vaughn and her husband Peter, Caroline Jewitt and her husband Joe, Daniel Duke and his wife Roxanne, Katherine Duke, Elizabeth Gerringer and her husband Collin, and Rebekah Duke. She will also be sadly missed by her sixteen great grandchildren.
Graveside service 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024 at Olathe Memorial Cemetery, 738 N Chesnut Street, Olathe, Kansas.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com
