Obituary: Ralph L. Duke

Ralph L. Duke 1949 ~ 2007 Ralph L. Duke, age 57, was born December 27, 1949, in Heber City Utah., to William Howard Duke and Ellen Child Duke. Married Pamela Kim Benshoff, May 11, 1973 for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Ralph passed away in a car accident while serving the Lord as a mission president in the Uganda Kampala Mission, which included the countries of Uganda and Ethiopia. He also served in the Australia Sydney Mission as a young man, and served with his wife in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission prior to being mission president. Dad spent his life in the service of the Lord, his family, and the community, and dearly loved all three. Among many other callings he served as a bishop twice and in the stake presidency. Dad was a simple farm boy taught by goodly parents in his youth to love and serve the Lord. He always put others needs before his own. He was a friend to all, and a counselor to many. His greatest virtues were his unwavering integrity, his listening ear, and his helping hands. Ralph loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. Being a grandpa was the joy of his life. We will miss the twinkle in his eye and his delightful sense of humor. We enjoyed our time on the ranch as a family. Dad's greatest pleasure was on the back of a horse in the mountains he so dearly loved. Dad is survived by his eternal sweetheart of 34 years; his children R.L. (Melissa), Michael (Keri), Spencer (Karissa), and Katie Nelson (Mitch); grandchildren, McKenna, Jessica, Cade; Sierra, Savannah, (another baby girl in July); Madeline, Cole; Brynlyn, Lukas, all of Wasatch County. Preceded in death by parents and sisters Shirley, and Alice. Survived by siblings Bill, Mary, Janet, Margene, Nioma, Kathryn and respective spouses. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at 1:00p.m. in the Heber North Stake Center 521 E. 500 N. Friends may visit the family at a viewing Friday evening at the stake center beginning at 6:00 p.m. or prior to the service Saturday 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Heber City Cemetery.