Obituary of Elva Jean Duke

DUKE, Elva Jean 95, of Tucson, AZ, died October 15, 2018. She was born to Herbert and Agnes Blair Hewitt on November 11, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois. Elva was a resident of Tucson for 56 years. She worked as a reference librarian for the Tucson Public Library from 1963 - 1986. Among her many interests were, books, computer games, music, art, theater, nature, travel, and learning new things. Her father, Herbert was head of the reference department at the Chicago Public Library for many years. She gained her love of books from her father. She never forgot the advice that her Father gave to her, "You don't know anything until you realize how little you know." She wished to leave a thank you to family, friends, and acquaintances for expanding her world and giving her many interesting and happy experiences and memories. She requested that there be no service. She would like her ashes to be scattered in the meadow of the Michigan farm, where her family spent their summers, and where her parents retired. She had a beautiful spiritual experience there, when a swarm of Monarch Butterflies, blown off their migratory path, landed on her, and where she was walking. She is survived by children, Misty (Lewis) Gruber of Chicago/Tucson, Marjorie Premovich of Tucson, Robert A. Premovich (Patricia) of Colorado, and Marcella Premovich Duke (Robert) of Tucson; grandchildren, Jennifer Maynard (Tommy) of Tucson, Dr. Crystal Knutson (Chris) of Minnesota, Randall Duke, of Tucson, Andrew Premovich, of Colorado, Alyssa Premovich of Colorado; great-grandchildren, Arianna, Carson, and Magnus; special family members, Tom and Dawn Duke, Patti Hart and her family; nieces and nephews from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Washington State; special family friend, Dr. Lanka Elson (Susan Kane) of Maryland. Carol McDonald, one of the most thoughtful people on this planet. Friends from the Tucson Pima Library and many family pets, who gave her great joy. Elva was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Agnes Blair Hewitt; sister, Dorothy Fluga; brother, Calvin Hewitt, and his wife Marjorie; her former husband, Robert Premovich, the father of their four children. Robert Elson, her long time cherished childhood friend, who came back into her life after an absence of sixty years. We would like to thank the staff of TMC Peppi's House, and the staff of Familglia Amore for their wonderful care and compassion that they gave to our mother. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.