Mrs. Elizabeth Duncan Van Dyke

Elizabeth Duncan Van Dyke passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on June 21, 2014 at Summit Memory Care in Mesa. She was 82. Elizabeth will be remembered for her beautifully sweet, gentle spirit and her devotion to family, friends and faith. She is survived by her five children; Ann Woodley of Tempe, Steve Woodley (Sheri) of Poway, CA; Debbie Gardner of Mesa; Sue Bjorkman (Ernie) of Denver, CO; and Karen Woodley of Sacramento; CA; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and two brothers Tom Duncan of Atlanta and Bill Duncan of California. She is preceded in death by her late husband, James Van Dyke and her parents Thomas and Thelma Duncan. Born in Flushing, NY on April 25, 1932, Elizabeth graduated from Cornell University with a degree in English. After growing up in New York, she lived in South Carolina, Texas, and California and then moved to Arizona in 1970. Elizabeth loved doing craft projects and sewing for her children, grandchildren and for charity projects. A gifted musician, she played clarinet in her youth and then played the piano and the bells her entire life. She loved the outdoors and often hiked Thumb Butte in Prescott and the Grand Canyon. Reading, writing, traveling and gardening also kept her happily busy. In earlier years, Elizabeth was a preschool and elementary school teacher, and an administrative assistant at a counseling agency and a church, but her passion was found in volunteering. She was a member of PEO, was an avid supporter of Young Life and 4H, and also gave countless hours wherever the greatest need was, especially when it involved children. She was a devoted prayer warrior for youth around the world. Most recently Elizabeth was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott where she served on the mission committee and was a member of the bell choir. At First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande, she played in the bell choir, sang in the choir, and served as a deacon for many years. A memorial service and a celebration of the life and spirit of this wonderful woman will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Heritage Memory Mortuary 131 Grove Ave. Prescott, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, then family suggest donations to Young Life of Prescott. Services entrusted to Heritage Memory Mortuary.