Gwendola Duke

Related Photos

Gwen and Daryl Duke

Gwendola Duke peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 7, 2012, after a long struggle with complications from dementia and other health factors.

Gwen was 81 years young. She was born on April 6, 1930, in Oklahoma to Mary Jane Sullivan and James William Humes. After an adventure-filled childhood growing up in the countryside near the town of Ada, Okla., Gwen met and married, Daryl W. Duke of Stratford. In 1950, the love birds moved to Wasco to begin their 60 years of marriage until Daryl’s passing in 2010.

During the couple’s time in Wasco, Gwen worked several jobs, but found her most rewarding time being spent as a mother, wife and member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Wasco.

Gwen was also an accomplished song writer, guitarist and piano player/instructor. In her spare time, she volunteered as a Cub Scout den leader for her sons Dale and Steve. Gwen could also be seen at the countless baseball and football games the boys played during their years in Wasco. Gwen ensured that the boys’ friends were always welcome at their home, were well fed and loved accordingly.

After retirement in the early 90s, the couple moved to their mountain dream home in Stallion Springs, returning to the country life, making many new friends and becoming members of the Stallion Springs Church.

Daryl and Gwen were regulars at the various coffee shops in Tehachapi, brightening the days of many waitresses for almost 20 years.

Gwen leaves behind her sons Steve and Dale of Bakersfield and Freddie of Joshua, Tex. She also leaves, temporarily, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren in California and Texas whom she loved very much.

Siblings include James, Lee, Dorothy, Peggy, Edna and Fern all of Oklahoma and Texas. Gwen was pre-deceased by her brother Lee.

Gwen was interred at the National Cemetery in Arvin on Jan. 14.