Ethel M. Duke, 78

HARTLY - Ethel M. Duke, of Hartly, died Saturday, Oct., 10, 2009, at Pinnacle Rehabilitation & Health Center in Smyrna. She was 78. Mrs. Duke was born March 7, 1931, in Hartly to the late Brady and Beatrice Melvin Thompson. As a child she lived in the Elizabeth W. Murphy School, in Dover, which is an institution which remained very dear to her. While primarily a wife, mother and homemaker, she worked during the holiday season at Montgomery Ward, and as a seamstress at JC Penney. She also worked privately as a seamstress, and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and cake decorating. Mrs. Duke is survived by her husband of 57 years, James Duke of Hartly; three sons, Daniel Duke and wife Michelle of Dover, David Duke and wife Vickie of Ellendale, and Douglas Duke and wife Robbi of Bowers Beach; daughter, Deborah Duke of Hartly; five grandchildren, Lauren Martin and husband Eric, Christopher Duke, Amber Duke, Andrew Duke and fiancée Ashley Yerkie, and James Duke; three brothers, Ray Thompson of Clayton, Eugene Thompson of Hartly, and Gilbert Thompson of Rehoboth; and three great-grandchildren, Austin Duke Walls, Corey Duke, and Aubree Duke. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover. Friends may call Wednesday evening 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Elizabeth W. Murphy School, 14 East Division St., Dover, DE 19901. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.