Wilma L. Durkee, age 92 of Fremont, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010 at the Spectrum Health Gerber Hospital in Fremont. Wilma was born on Dec. 24, 1917 in Gratiot County to James and Ruby (Wood) Leet. Wilma graduated from Lansing Eastern High School and later graduated from business school and became the secretary to the Registrar of Michigan State University. She later married Eldon Durkee on June 10, 1939 in Lansing and they moved to the Fremont area in 1942. Wilma worked for many years in the business office of the Fremont Public Schools until her retirement. Wilma was an active member of the Fremont United Methodist Church where she was involved in many circles and committees and was a member of the Garden Club and American Rose Society. After retirement, Wilma and Eldon enjoyed traveling throughout the world and spent their winters in Florida. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Eldon of Fremont; her children, Carol (Dr. Dale) Boyse of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Janet (James) Markstrom of Cheboygan, Michigan; Raymond (Susan) Durkee of Castine, Maine; 6 grandchildren, Kelly (Tony) Taylor; Brad (Kathleen) Boyse; Ted (Margaret) Boyse; Kathryn (Jon) Gant; Amanda (Kerry) Salgat; Kristina (Raymond) Hayes; 7 great grandchildren; her brother, Gerald Leet of Raleigh, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her brother, J. Lyndon Leet. VISITATION : Thursday, September 23, 2010 from 10:30-12pm at the Fremont United Methodist Church with funeral services at 12pm at the church. INTERMENT : New Haven Cemetery near Carson City. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Fremont Area Community Foundation for the Durkee Music Scholarship Fund. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Durkee family online at www.crandellfh.com. We were saddened to hear about the passing of Aunt Wilma. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Mike and Kathy (Durkee) Parcell Posted 9/16/2010 Dear El don, Carol, Janet and Raymond I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother and Wife..I can remember all the times she would just look in to see if we were ok when at your house for clarinet lessons and all the times at the Methodist Church...she was a wonderful mother and wife..may God bless you as you go through this time of sorrow Dick Grove Posted 9/16/2010 So sorry for your loss. I was so glad that you and your wife were able to join our class reunion a couple of years ago and I still have fond memories of my time in band. You and your family remain in our prayers, Marlyn Stroven FHS Class of 1958. Posted 9/16/2010 We are so sorry about Wilma's sudden death. We have been unable to attend church due to our own health problems and have missed seeing Wilma and Eldon. The Durkees always stopped by our pew to greet us. We have many happy memories of our connections. Raymond, perhaps you remember Ruby and Fred Voltz. Ruby was my mom's cousin. You and the Voltzs lived in the same CA complex. We met you in our Fremont UMC when you were visiting your parents. You told us that you looked after Ruby and Fred. It can be a small world! Ruby didn't have children. I know her nieces and nephews really appreciated your caring for them. With our prayers and sympathy, Arnold and Mildred Woodring Posted 9/16/2010 I had you , Mr Durkee in school and got to talk to you last year at a breakfast there in fremont when we were up there visiting . We now live in Ark. Sorry to hear about your wife. You had along life together . That is good . Praying for you and family . Yours in Christ Bonnie Vandermolen (Hawkey) Posted 9/17/2010 My deepest sympathy to you, Mr. Durkee and to Carol, Janet and Raymond. Your family has been a wonderful presence in our lives. It was so nice to see you at our class reunion last year. Mary Holler Archbold FHS Class of 1959 Posted 9/17/2010 I extend my deepest sympathy to you, Mr. Durkee, and to Carol , Janet, and Raymond and their families upon the passing of Mrs. Durkee. Your family has always been a wonderful presence in our lives. It was so nice to see both of you at our class reunion last summer. Mary Holler Archbold FHS Class of 1959 Posted 9/17/2010 Dear Eldon and Family: Shirley Stroven called us from Florida to give us the sad news about Wilma's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. You both have been such good friends to us for many years now. We now share your sorrow. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Albert and Barbara Smith Welland, Ontario, Canada Posted 9/20/2010 What a wonderful long, and happy life you shared together! Heaven is sure a little brighter now that Wilma is there. Thank you for all the great Band memories that you gave our son Norm Jr. Norm Jr's 2 daughter's followed in his footsteps with a fabulous band/orchestra program at Columbus North H.S, Columubus Indiana. Your friends, Joan & Norm Knorr Posted 9/20/2010 Dear Durkee family. I was sorry to hear of your wife and mother's passing. She was a wonderful lady and we really enjoyed have her and Eldon attend our many class reunions. Jerry Woodring FHS Class of 1958 Posted 9/232010 Just heard of the passing of Wilma, and am so sorry for your loss, Eldon. What an amazing couple and among the finest examples of a Christian couple, ever. My deepest condolences to you Eldon, and to your family. Terry L. VanArman (Venice, FL) Posted 9/272010 Dear Mr. Durkee: Condolences from the FHS Class of 1973. We were so happy to have you and Wilma attend our class reunion a few years ago. What a long and fulfilling life youve both shared. Our sympathy and thoughts are with you at this time. Connie Nesbary Posted 9/29/2010 Mr. Durkee, I cannot imagine the pain of seeing your spouse leave you to go home with the Lord. You and your opened your home to the band for so many years, and you both left a legacy of music for generations to come. I was honored to be a part of that and I thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. I pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to remain with you and your family until youre at least reunited in Heaven. Jim Slocum Posted 9/29/2010