Rita Katherine Duke

Rita Katherine Duke, late of Francis, SK passed away October 3, 2020 at the age of 69 years.

Our sad hearts announce the passing of Rita, a compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

After a road well traveled to the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic over the last 10 years, Rita passed to join family that have predeceased her: mother Katherine, father Anton; brother Clarence; father-in-law Bill Duke; and sister-in-law Janice Johnstone.

She is survived by her husband Barry Duke; sons, Jody (Christy); Jeremy (Stacey); as well as precious grandchildren: Brayden, Cody, Madison, Kaiden, Evan and Nash.  Also left to mourn are her sister Karen (Larry) Bruch; mother-in-law Joyce Duke; sister-in-law Joanne (Lorne) Honeysett.

Family was everything to Rita, gatherings were always at her home. She cooked for days to ensure there was always too much food and all were fed no matter how many people dropped in.

Not only did she support her own children but also her cherished nephews and nieces: Jonathan, Josh, Corey, Kayla, Shaun and Trevor.

Rita was the eternal fan at all her children’s and grandchildren’s events – hockey, dance, baseball and any other celebrations.  Her yard illustrated her love of gardening. The precious quilting and sewing gifts she made for those she loved warmed the hearts of all that received them.

A Private Funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Francis of Assisi Church, Francis, SK with Fr. Abello celebrant. All friends and family were welcomed to gather at the grave site following the mass for the interment at Francis Cemetery, Francis, SK.

Thanks to the Weyburn Hospital 3rd floor staff for excellent palliative care during Rita’s last week.

For those wishing to join the family, please follow the live stream on RD Family Funeral Chapel Facebook page starting at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2020.

For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Rita may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Canada, #205 ~ 145 front Street E, Toronto, ON, M5A 1E3.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Katherine Duke, please visit our floral store.