Dorothy Duncan

Dorothy I. Duncan December 15, 1923 - February 19, 2011 Dorothy Inez (Brickey) Duncan, affectionately known as Grandma Dorothy by many, passed from this life into her eternal home at 1:28 A.M. February 19, 2011 at the Columbus Health & Rehabilitation Center. She had lived on North Brooks Street in Columbus for most of her married life and was born in the house where she lived. She was born on December 15, 1923 to Thomas Austin Brickey and Hazel Belle (Ping) Brickey. Dorothy was an active member of East Columbus Christian Church where she taught the 2 & 3 year old Sunday School class for approximately 40 years. She also belonged to the Deborah & Esther Circles, sang in the church choir, helped with youth groups, Vacation Bible School, and Hilltop Christian Camp. She also served on various committees and functions. Dorothy was also active in her community in many ways. She was a member of the local Grange, the Senior Center, and was a past member of the Bartholomew County Home Economics Club. She was active in the local elections and enjoyed working at the polls. She was a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award presented by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh for her 50 years of service as an adult 4-H leader and continued to serve for a total of 65 years in Bartholomew County. She has received recognition from local leaders as well as from former United States President George H.W. Bush for her involvement with the 4-H program. She traveled to Washington D.C. to represent Bartholomew County at the National 4-H Congress. Dorothy was recently honored by being saluted in the recently published book entitled Folk Heroes, Heroines and Hometown Heritage from Columbus, Indianas City Murals and Beyond by Rose Pelone Sisson. She was a person who loved life. She cherished her friends, her family, church family and especially young people who seemed to flock to her. She always had a hug and a smile. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Coy Lee Duncan. They were married December 15, 1945. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Patricia Ann Hoeltke. Surviving is one daughter, Donna Jean Rueff of Taylorsville, two grandsons, Randall Matthew Rueff of Taylorsville, and Brent Andrew Rueff of Indianapolis, one nephew, Jeff Hoeltke of Columbus, two nieces Pam (Ned) Fear of Hartsville and Becky (Greg) Koers of Indianapolis. Funeral Information FUNERAL: 10:00 A.M. Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with David Armstrong and Ron Bridgewater officiating. VISITATION: 4-8 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. BURIAL: Garland Brook Cemetery Donations Information MEMORIALS: East Columbus Christian Church, Hilltop Christian Camp, or the 4-H Foundation. DirectionsVisitation: Map to Funeral Home