Ellen Dukeman

Dorothea “Ellen” (Riley) Dukeman, 92, of Arthur, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Carriage Crossing in Arcola, Illinois.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Arthur United Methodist Church, with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. The Rev. Jill Bunker will officiate. Shrader Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Arthur United Methodist Church.

Ellen was born May 17, 1934, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Ivan G. and Edna (Summitt) Riley. She spent her childhood in Robinson and Mattoon, Illinois, before moving with her family to Arthur, Illinois.

While attending Arthur High School, Ellen met John Dukeman. They married on December 9, 1953, and shared a life together until his death on May 4, 2011.

Early in their marriage, Ellen worked in civil service while John served in the U.S. Army. After returning to Arthur, she worked at the accounting firm RKPK while they raised their two sons, Van and Todd.

Ellen enjoyed cooking, painting, tennis, and golf. She especially treasured her weekly poker games with longtime friends. An avid sports fan, Ellen loved cheering on the University of Illinois and the LA Dodgers, but her favorite teams were always those of her sons and grandchildren. She took great pride in their accomplishments, on and off the field.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ellen treasured her family and enjoyed hosting holiday meals. Her family and friends knew they could always count on her for support and a helping hand. She held a deep love for the town of Arthur and the community she called home. Her church family at Arthur United Methodist Church was especially dear to her, and she served as church treasurer for several years.

She is survived by her sons, Van (Patti) Dukeman of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Todd (Anita) Dukeman of Arthur, Illinois; her grandchildren, Paige Dukeman, Wes Dukeman, Grant (Makenna) Dukeman, and Alanna (Cameron) Westjohn; and her great-grandchildren, Logan Westjohn, Liam Westjohn, and Camden Dukeman, with another great-grandchild, baby Westjohn, expected any day. She is also survived by loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Ellen shared a special bond with her niece, Sue Fristoe (Mary Bunyard). Sue and Mary’s visits meant so much to Ellen and her sons, especially in recent years.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Ivan G. and Edna Riley; her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Brad Fristoe; her sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Hillyard, Maudine Barkley, and Margaret Dukeman; her brothers-in-law, Jim and Buddy Dukeman; and her beloved nephews, Scott Stone, Terry Dukeman, and Don Dukeman.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at the Arthur Home and especially at Carriage Crossing for their kindness and care.