Marlane Maxixe Duke

Marlane Maxine Duke, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Sandy, Utah, on September 5, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply and who loved and adored her in return.

Marlane was born on July 13, 1937, in Long Beach, California, to Thomas Clinton Munroe and Maxine Pauline Lane Boice. She spent her childhood in coastal California under the loving care of her cherished grandmother. At the age of 16, Marlane moved to Utah, where she attended Granite High School. That move would become one of the most important chapters of her life, for it was there that she met the young man who would become her beloved husband, George Duke.

Marlane and George were married on September 16, 1955, shortly after graduation. Their love and devotion to one another continued to grow throughout their remarkable 71 years together. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, with the faith and hope that their family will one day be reunited forever. Together, Marlane and George built a beautiful life and a home filled with love, faith, laughter, commitment, and family.

Marlane had a wonderfully creative and joyful spirit. She was a talented oil painter who found beauty in the world around her and had a gift for bringing that beauty to life on canvas. She loved gardening, homemaking, horses, dogs, cooking, camping, fishing, hunting, and sports. She especially enjoyed being outdoors and sharing adventures and activities with her family. But perhaps what those who knew her will remember most was her infectious laughter, her playful sense of humor, and her genuine ability to have fun. Marlane brought light and happiness wherever she went.

At the heart of Marlane’s life was her faith and her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her love for Him was reflected not only in her beliefs, but in the way she treated others—with kindness, patience, compassion, and a willingness to quietly serve. She tried to follow His example throughout her life, especially in the way she cared for those who needed a little extra love and attention.

Her love was not limited to her own family. Through her work as a teacher’s aide, Marlane touched the lives of countless children. Children were naturally drawn to her because they could immediately feel the warmth, patience, and unconditional love that seemed to surround her. She had a special ability to notice the child who needed a little extra attention, encouragement, or kindness. She quietly looked for “the one” who needed to know they mattered—and she made sure they knew it.

Marlane lived with remarkable strength and grace. Even when life became difficult, she rarely complained. Instead, she continued to think of others, offering kindness, love, and encouragement. Her gentle nature, compassion, and quiet attentiveness were among her greatest gifts.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a depth that words can hardly express. Her family was the center of her heart, and the memories they created together will remain a treasured part of their lives forever.

Marlane is survived by her devoted and loving husband, George; her brother and his wife; their four dedicated children, their spouses and families; twelve wonderful and talented grandchildren, their spouses and families; and eighteen energetic and inspiring great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, her sister, and daughter-in-law.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Goff Mortuary, located in Midvale, Utah. A graveside service will follow at the Sandy City Cemetery.

Marlane leaves behind a legacy far greater than words can capture—a legacy of unconditional love, enduring faith, creativity, laughter, compassion, and quiet kindness. She made people feel loved, welcomed, and important. Her life was a beautiful gift to her family and to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Though our hearts are heavy with her passing, we are grateful for the 89 years of love, laughter, memories, faith, and goodness she shared with us. We will carry her in our hearts, in the stories we tell, in the beauty she created, in the example she set, and in the love, she taught us to give.

She will be profoundly missed, eternally loved, forever cherished, and lovingly remembered. We find comfort in the knowledge that her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her faith in the eternal family will continue to be part of the legacy she leaves with all of us.