Celebrating the Life of Elvina Ann Duree who was a truly extraordinary woman — a mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, friend, and woman of unwavering faith.

She was born on March 3, 1934, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Cecile George and Viola Lucy (Curless) Stark. As the eldest of seven children — Lee, Faye, Cecile Dale, Butch, Steve, and Jenny — Elvina took on the role of big sister with love and responsibility, traits that would define her character throughout her life.

She attended Maize High School, and in 1950, her path crossed with Jimmie Paul Moon Sr. at Maize Community Church. They married in 1952 at the Nazarene Church in Wichita and began their life together in Maize, Kansas. Over the years, they welcomed ten children: Jimmie Paul Jr. (Brenda), Sandra Sue "Sandy" (Gregg), Shelly Ann (Michael), Sharon Kay (Tim), Elvina Jean "Jeanie" (Stan), Jerry Dale, Ronald Gene "Ronnie" (LaDonna), Rita Faye (Rick), Kevin Lee (Kim), and Samantha Jo (Kelly).

Elvina's life was built on faith, hard work, and unconditional love. Though she worked various jobs and alongside dad as a janitor at Maize High School, her most cherished role was as a homemaker and mother. Her faith in God was unwavering. She accepted Jesus at age 8, she was baptized at 15, and trusted deeply in His provision. She often recounted moments of divine grace, like opening the front door to find groceries when she didn't know how she'd feed her children.

She lived her faith not just in words, but in action — welcoming others into her home, even when resources were scarce. If something was taken from the yard, she would simply say, "They must've needed it more than we did."

Elvina found joy in simple things: playing cards, gardening, attending auctions, and working with her hands. After retiring, she and dad opened the Midtown Flea Market, where she lovingly refinished furniture. She was also blessed with adventures later in life — a fishing trip to Arizona with her dad, and travels to Texas and Las Vegas, where she flew for the first time, took a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, and marveled at the Hoover Dam.

After dad's passing in 2008, Elvina found love again and married Billy "Doc" Duree on October 1, 2010. With Doc came more family — a son, Danny, and his wife Monica — and new passions. Elvina and Doc took up dancing and bowling, sharing a joy that lit up every room they entered. Their marriage brought Elvina a second decade of companionship, laughter, and love until Doc's passing in 2021.

Family was everything to Elvina. Her children, 26 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. One grandson, Nicholas, preceded her in death. She remembered them all, asked about them constantly, and lit up at the sight of their faces.

Her friendships were just as abundant. Elvina had a rare gift for connection — she never met a stranger, only future friends. Her heart was always open, her kindness boundless.

On March 30, 2025, Elvina fell and broke her hip. After surgery, ever the optimist, she smiled and said, "I'm all well!" She was so excited to do skilled care at Kidron Bethel where Samantha, Rita, Cortney, Serenity, and Demi worked alongside an amazingly compassionate nursing team.

On April 26, 2025 — seventeen years to the day after dad's passing — Elvina was visited by her children, her sister, and a close friend. She was alert, laughing, and filled with peace. That evening, as "Amazing Grace" was sung in the background, Elvina passed away with two of her daughters by her side.

Elvina Ann Duree lived a life of deep faith, selfless love, enduring strength, and joyful service. Her story is one of giving without expecting, believing without doubting, and loving without condition. She leaves behind a legacy etched in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rest well, Mom. You have run your race — and you have run it beautifully.

Visitation will be 3-5 pm, Wednesday, April 30, at Baker Funeral Home, 100 S. Cedar, Valley Center. Service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 1, at First Missionary Church, 1300 Berry Ave, Newton with Graveside following at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 13530 W. 109th St. N., Bentley, Kansas.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to Kidron Bethel, 3001 Ivy Drive, North Newton, Ks 67117 and First Missionary Church, 1300 Berry Ave, Newton, Ks 67114.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be made to the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.