On February, 27th, 2023, after a short struggle from complications of being born 97 years ago, our sweet mother was welcomed home by her Father in Heaven and a host of angels and relatives gone before. Among the adoring throng is her husband, Abram Albert, daughter, Jana Lee, brother James Keith Duke, sister Afton Duke, niece Allison Duke, and parents James Curtis Duke and Helen Ann Bench.
Mom will be remembered by her surviving children, that she loved: James David (Kyesook Song), Redge Duke (Amy Clayburn), Clayton (Susie), Randal Kirk (Lois Hand), Bryce Greggory (Maria Kelsey), Lans Fredrick (Elizabeth Looser), and Helen Annette (Michael Noble). Additionally, mom loved 20 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Mom was born on August, 10th, 1925 in Provo Utah. She graduated from Duchesne high school in 1943 with 8 other classmates.
During WWII mom rebuilt airplane engines at Hill Airforce Base where she also met Abram.
Mom loved to feel the wind in her hair and with 8 children, she got plenty of that.
Square dancing was a favorite pastime for Mom and Dad when time permitted.
Already an accomplished artist, Mom enrolled in several art classes at Salt Lake Community College at the age of 59.
Mom was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
She loved her callings to teach and sing with the children in the primary in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mom enjoyed reading poetry and wrote several of her own poems.
Mom loved the sweet fragrance of pretty flowers and would slowly stroll through any available garden.
Mom was a loving person who was always happy to see you. Even when she said she was feeling “mean and ornery”, she said it with a smile on her face and a twinkle of mischief in her eye.
Mom was happy each day for the sunshine, even when it was raining.
Mom was an example of unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
We all love Mom and will miss her smile and humor very much.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, March 4th from 10:00 to 10:45 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1930 S 2100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. Funeral services will immediately follow. Interment will be in the Salt Lake Cemetery
To view the recording of the service please click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/VApAavTQdj2qvZnL-kplUGzuUmcSFgPmHhKitC95MriNUNG2Ji-xavIpWEZDmBaX.hPmCpqWukAxgYuwq
My deepest condolences 💐 to the entire family and all of her friends. Her son Bryce was my ministering brother and became a dear friend when his family lived in Chicago. We often smiled at the fact that both our our beloved Moms are named Della. I hope they’ve met on the other side by now. Love and condolences to all, especially Bryce, Maria, Sam and Eden.
Loved reading about your Mom.
Much love to you all,
Laurie Del Francia
We are so sorry that you've lost your sweet mother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Going to visit Della Mae was such a special part of my childhood. Her kids were lively and rowdy and Aunt Della Mae was patient and soft spoken, we could be guaranteed a good time at the Palmer's and she was a big part of why. I regret my grandkids didn't have the opportunity to know her. I can still see her bustling around her kitchen at the house on Downington Ave. She and my mother Betty were not just cousins but alot like "girlfriends". Aunt Della Mae was an important person in our family. Now, I have memories and she has moved on. Glad I had the chance to know her.
We have so many wonderful memories of Della Mae and her children. She played a swinging trombone, only one of her many talents.
Dear Palmer Family-
I was flooded with memories of Della Mae as I read her lovely obituary. She was a fixture in the Monument Park 10th Ward, usually with a flock of children around her. Jana Lee was close to my age and I watched your mother care for her with love and concern. Much love to you all at this time of parting.