Ann Mae Claypool Duncan, 91, was born June 5, 1927 in Smithfield, Utah and passed away Tuesday, March 5, at Autumn Care in Hyde Park, Utah. Mom was the oldest of three daughters born to William Forrester and Ada Mae Douglass Claypool. Her education took her through Summit Elementary, North Cache High School, Modesto Junior College and Utah State University.
She taught kindergarten at Hill Air Force Base. It was then that she met Gib who was stationed at Hill. They were married on October 2, 1950 in Elko, Nevada.
In 1978, their family was sealed together in the Ogden Utah Temple. Family was first and foremost in Mom’s life. She was blessed to be surrounded by many of her extended family while she grew up in Smithfield.
She was deeply rooted in her ancestral ties and passed that importance of heritage on to her family. Tragedy struck her family more than once, leaving her to take control and step up to lead. These heartaches only helped make her the strong woman that she became.
Mom and Dad were blessed with three children: John, Ada, and Cathy. They were devoted to raising their family. Because they were blessed with Ada, Mom and Dad taught our family to treat everyone with respect, and they worked tirelessly to fight for opportunities for children with disabilities in the valley.
Mom was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Willa and Janet; Gib, Ada and three grand babies. It is hard to briefly describe the life of Ann Mae! But those who knew her were privileged to know a wonderful woman.
She was a wonderful cook, candy maker, birthday cake baker, listener, mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, and teacher. Mom made Christmas, birthdays and Thanksgiving special events for the family. She always a had a sense of humor that kept everyone on their toes!
She is survived by her son and his family: John and Nancy Duncan, Amanda and James Spendlove, Jake Duncan, Ashley and Adam Spackman. She is also survived by her daughter and her family: Cathy and Kendal Merrill, Danya and Christian Hansen, Linsey and J.D. Hammons, Braden and Savannah Merrill, Shay and Michelle Merrill, and Kaylee Merrill. Her legacy continues with her surviving great-grandchildren: Hana, Forest, Sage, Duncan, Rayne, Sadie, Lily, Cash, Kambria, Malyse, MaCade, Zane, Makenley, Mallorie, Emerie, Clara, Elodie, Lillian Mae, Quinn, Thea and Trudy.
A very special thank you to the staff at Autumn Care and Encompass Home Health for their loving caring of mom. In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to Cache Educational Training Center. Viewings will be held Sunday, March 10th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Nelson Funeral Home (85 South Main, Smithfield) and Monday, March 11th, 10:30 – 11:30 at Smithfield First Ward (175 South 100 West).
Funeral Services will be Monday, March 11th, at Noon at Smithfield First Ward (175 South 100 West, Smithfield). Burial will follow in the Smithfield Cemetery. Condolences & memories may be shared online at www.
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