DeEtte Jones Duncan

1930 ~ 2021

Viewing:

May 8, 2021
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    May 8, 2021
    12:00 PM
    Please watch the recorded funeral services by clicking on "Watch Services" link below.
  • Directions to Service
  • DeEtte Jones Duncan, a valiant cheerleader and champion for her family until the end, left her mortal existence on May 1, 2021, after triumphing over many health challenges, surrounded by her loving and adoring family. Her final act of determination was to rally until her children could be gathered to her bedside from far away, to enable the family to share experiences and express love and affection. DeEtte was born April 27, 1930 in Salt Lake City to Joseph Bruce Jones and Inez Agnes Wetzel, the youngest of three children. She attended South High School in Salt Lake and later the University of Utah where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics. She was a member of the Women’s Student Council at the U of U, was voted Engineering Queen by the Engineering School, and even earned the title of “Miss Flame” from the Salt Lake Junior Chamber of Commerce (she was eligible for that award because of her beautiful auburn hair). Following graduation, after receiving a scholarship, she continued her education in New York City at the prestigious Tobe-Coburn School for Fashion Careers, earning her degree in Fashion Merchandizing and serving as the president of her class. Upon her return, she worked as a fashion buyer for Auerbach’s department store. DeEtte had a lovely singing voice and was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for two years. She was an exceptional athlete and was invited to be on the U of U ski team, and later in life won the title of Willowcreek Country Club Women’s Golf Champion. She served as president of the PTA at Skyline High School.

    DeEtte met the love of her life, Douglas C. Duncan, in the library at the University of Utah. After a long-distance courtship, Doug and DeEtte were married September 1, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. Their journey together took them to Iowa for Doug’s degree in Dental School, then to Alaska for two years of service in the U.S. Army, where they had their first child. They then returned to Salt Lake City where they raised their five children. Doug and DeEtte had been married 66 years at the of time Doug’s passing, 11 months to the day before DeEtte passed away.

    DeEtte led an active life of service, leadership, love, inclusion, and example. She was active in the lives of her children, and grandchildren, attending many sporting, music, and extra-curricular events they were involved in. She served in many church positions and served with Doug in the Salt Lake Temple for many years. She lived her life to the fullest, would reach out to those in need, and was a wonderful friend to many. She was known to open her home to those that needed to feel loved. She was fondly remembered for her weekly Sunday family dinners where she gathered her loved ones around the dinner table.

    DeEtte is survived by children Doak (Brenda) Duncan, Dixon (Michelle) Duncan, Deon Duncan (Keith Rogers), Dana (Scott) Nuanez, Dylann (Geoff) Ceriani, 15 grandchildren and 21 (with one on the way) great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bruce Wetzel Jones, sister Deon Jones, and great grandson Joey Goodrich.

    The family extends special thanks to Laurie Buehner for years of loving care, and Debi Rymer who became a wonderful friend and companion during her final year.

    Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 8th at 12:00 noon at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held prior to the graveside service at Larkin Sunset Gardens from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (106th South), Sandy. Those attending the viewing are requested to wear masks. To view previously held services please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Q0EIqbGkIF3bZlHHWl64EgT6eqhqITryETdSeyhGWxASJIAzP9gZMqNfmQMM8Ou-.k_jyFRWWL4ktD-lw?startTime=1620496721000


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Wow! Such an amazing, accomplished woman with an incredible legacy. Sending sincere heartfelt condolences to all who knew her. God bless.


    - Karl Farnsworth

    My condolences go to my good friend Dixon and his siblings at the passing of their mother. Feeling your loss and sharing your sadness. Your mom was a great person and you all will carry her in your hearts forever. It is a privilege and a pleasure to know each of you. God Bless you.


    - Michael A. Wells

    I shall miss you, DeEtte. I'm sad that you are gone and with it the tradition of seeing you at least once a year in December, but gratified knowing that you lived a long and abundant life on earth and that now you are at a better place. I'm grateful that you could have your children by your side at the end. You are loved. Thank you, DeEtte, for raising such strong and moral children. That is your greatest legacy. The world is a better place because you have been in it.


    - Jeff