Mary "Jane" (Littrell) Duerksen, 81, of Abilene, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, at Village Manor Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family.
Jane was born on October 16, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to George and Eva Littrell. During her high school years, her family moved to Lehigh, Kansas, where she graduated from Lehigh Rural High School.
On January 10, 1975, Jane married Gerald Duerksen in McPherson, Kansas. Together they blended their families and later welcomed two daughters of their own. For 49 years, Jane stood faithfully beside Gerald through the joys and challenges of life, supporting him through the demands of custom harvesting, farming, milking cows, moves, and career changes. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, hard work, and family.
Jane's life was devoted to serving others. She possessed an unwavering work ethic which she instilled in her children and grandchildren. Never was this more evident than when she decided to pursue a lifelong dream of going to school to earn her nursing degree when she was in her 40s and still raising her family. Being a nurse was something she was very proud of. Jane especially loved her time working as a nurse on the mother-baby unit, where she found fulfillment in caring for new mothers and helping families as they welcomed new life into the world.
A faithful member of First Christian Church in Abilene since 1997, Jane's relationship with Christ was the foundation of her life. She was deeply committed to ensuring that her children and grandchildren knew the love and grace of Jesus. Her faith guided her service to others and shaped the legacy she leaves behind.
Above all else, Jane treasured her family. She devoted countless hours to caring for her children and then grandchildren. She was always attending their activities, celebrating their accomplishments, and encouraging them every step of the way. She was unquestionably their biggest fan. Family members fondly remember one event where Jane cheered so enthusiastically that those sitting nearby resorted to putting tissues in their ears! Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support will remain cherished memories for all who knew her.
Jane is survived by her children, Jeff (Diane) Lindteigen, Angie (Rick) Vlasin, Rebecca (Kris) Kobiskie, and Stephanie (Kyle) Becker; her grandchildren, Meghan (Matt) Tracy, Kris Lindteigen, Marcus Gonzales, Elliott (Jordyn) Kobiskie, Matigan (Prosper) Osuchukwu, Kaleb Becker, Kyson (Ashley) Becker, and Kolt Becker; her great-grandchildren, Brailen and Landrie Tracy, Blakely Becker, and Niessa Osuchukwu; her sisters, Sharon Dies and Ann (Roger) Cooper; her sister-in-law, Jo Littrell; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Duerksen; her parents, George and Eva Littrell; and her brother, Shelby Littrell.
Jane's legacy is one of faith, service, compassion, and love. Through her work as a nurse, her devotion as a wife and mother, and her boundless enthusiasm as a grandmother and great-grandmother, she touched countless lives. Her family rejoices in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, whom she faithfully followed throughout her life.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 6 at 10:30 am at First Christian Church in Abilene. Following the service, all who knew Jane are invited to a luncheon and visitation time at the church. Burial will be the same day at 2:00 pm at Lehigh Cemetery (Chisholm Trail Rd. & 210th, Lehigh, KS).