Lois Durkee

LOIS DURKEE Lois Rhae (Wentz) Durkee, 82, went to be with her Heavenly Father, Thursday, November 9, 2017. She passed away peacefully in her daughter's home in Tucson, Ariz. where she resided since 2014. Lois was born May 29, 1935 in Las Vegas, to John Bernard Wentz and Ruth Gardner Wentz. She graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1953. In the 1950's, Lois worked at the Nevada Test Site where she met her husband, Wilfred "Bill" Durkee. They were married October 13, 1961, and together they raised four children: Robert, John, Daniel and Pamela. In the early 1970's, Lois embarked on her real estate career working for the Nevada Association of REALTORS® now known as the Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS® (GLVAR). She became Relocation Director of Levy Realty in 1972, and a Broker/Manager of Levy Realty in 1979. She served on the GLVAR Board of Directors from 1997-1999. In 2004, she was inducted into the GLVAR Hall of Fame. After 32 years in real estate, Lois retired in 2011. Some of Lois' fondest times were spent at Charleston Heights Bowl where she worked and ran the junior bowling program prior to starting her real estate career. Lois and Bill enjoyed bowling in several different leagues and tournaments. There, she created life-long friendships and dearly kept memories. In her later years, Lois enjoyed visiting with her family and friends, volunteering at her church's nursery, completing challenging crossword puzzles and watching any sports matches she could find, especially the UNLV Running Rebels and the L.A. Dodgers. One of the recent highlights of her life was attending the first two games of the 2017 World Series in LA to cheer on her beloved Dodgers. Lois looked forward to returning home each year to attend her Las Vegas High School class reunions. She will forever be remembered as a warm and kind woman whose distinct laugh could fill up a room and bring a smile to every face. Lois is preceded in death by her parents, John Bernard Wentz (1994) and Ruth Gardner Wentz (2002). She will be reunited with her husband, Wilfred L Durkee (2006); and her son, Robert Allan Casalou (1968). She is survived by her sons, John Durkee (Chris) and Daniel Durkee; her daughter, Pamela Ruggeroli (Jeano); her nine grandchildren, Michelle (Louie), Angie (Lenny), Chrissy (Daniel), Alex, Daniel (Ching), Chance (Kallie), Lauren, Johnny and Dylan; her nine great-grandchildren, Christiana, Megan, Cailin, Rylie, Lyla, Wyatt, Dylan, Carter and Kai; her son-in-law, Dr. Charles Ruggeroli; her daughters-in-law, Brenda Durkee and Cheri Whitehouse; her brother, Leroy Wentz (Julia); sister, Deanna Bischoff; her nephews; nieces; and many friends. Viewing will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 15. Services will be at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, November 18, both at Bunkers Eden Vale Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas, NV 89101. Following the services, Lois will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005. Immediately following burial, the family invites you to join them at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3200 N. Mustang St., Las Vegas, NV 89108.

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