Eleanor Jane Duncan

Eleanor sadly departed on September 7th, 2026 at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California at the age of 92 years old. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Loveland, Colorado and spending much of her youth with her German immigrant grandparents, Eleanor learned to speak German at a young age and was an active participant in her church choir. As a daughter in a military family, Eleanor moved frequently around the country. She ultimately settled in Washington state where she would graduate high school and begin a 27-year long career as a civil servant working for the Department of Defense. Her career included positions at Ft. Lewis in Pierce Co. Washington, The Presidio in San Francisco, California and finally Ft. Monroe in Hampton, Virginia. Upon retirement, Ellie, as she was known by those who loved her, returned to the West Coast in moving back to Washington, before finally moving to Sparks, Nevada. As her health declined, she moved to California to be closer to family.

One of Ellie’s paramount values was being in service to others. Her tireless efforts helped to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the JR Women’s League, Shriners Speech and Language Clinic, and Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church in Sparks. She touched the lives of many through her devoted involvement in various fraternal organizations, most notably the Order of the Eastern Star and the Rainbow Girls. She held numerous grand offices, and was one of the principal organizers in bringing the Rainbow Girls organization to Virginia. Her ceaseless dedication to community service and the tremendous impact that she had on many young lives will undoubtedly be felt for many years to come.

Ellie was an avid sports fan who enjoyed bowling and watching the Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox, and was blessed with a Super Bowl this past year from her beloved Seattle Seahawks. She was a traveler, both at home and abroad, exploring all over the nation in her beloved 5th Wheel camper. She had a large family that was spread across the country, but Ellie nevertheless attended many family events such as graduations, weddings, and reunions.

Ellie was fondly known for her cherished collections, centered around her deep appreciation for lighthouses, North Carolina's Outer Banks, and her favorite bird, the Cardinal. A wonderful cook, she delighted family and friends with her famous Norwegian Pancakes, while teaching loved ones the fine art of whisking gravy through her iconic "Ellie Shuffle."

Eleanor is survived by her children: Patricia, Karen, Michael (Kim), Kathleen (Mark), Nancy (Troy), and Lynda, eleven grandchildren: Rick, Nicole, Aimee, Laurie, Stephen, Marissa, Chloe, Luke, Matthew, Nick, and Ben, as well as sixteen great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, as well as her eldest daughter, Deborah.

Services will be held at a later date with interment at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will rest for eternity alongside the love of her life, Robert.