Irene Duke

Irene Duke, 79, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Sunday, February 19, 2012 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Duke was born July 24, 1932, in Wickliffe, Ky. She lived most of her life in Butler County, Mo., and was of the Pentecostal faith.

She was a musician and had played music for many well known entertainers. She enjoyed her dogs, going to yard sales and being with people.

On August 16, 1949, she married Ray Duke in Illinois. He preceded her in death in October of 1988.

Survivors include two children, Deana Hessling of Russellville, Ark. and Johnny Duke of Justin, Texas; one brother, Fred Sullivan of ElDorado, Ill; 10 grandchildren, Tammy Matheson, John Chaffin Jr., Tonya Chaffin, Tina Hessling, Lisa Barriner, Crystal Duke, Vonnie Raye Duke, Loretta Duke, Cody Duke and Billie Rae Duke; 13 great-grandchildren, Shealyn Plank, Stacia Plank, Ashlyn Bandy, Allyson Bandy, Johnny Chaffin III, Christopher Vaughn, Jesse Lindsey, Alex Adame, Whitney Adame, Dylan Adame, Cheyanne Adame, Christian Mancha and Austin Duke; and four great-great-grandchildren, Seaaira Lindsey, Angelynn Lindsey, Elizabeth Miller and Emmalynne Miller.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Ruby (Rich) Sullivan, and two brothers, Jerry "Bud" Sullivan Jr. and Noble Sullivan.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff, with granddaughter, Tammy Matheson officiating. Burial in Mole Hill Cemetery.

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