Phyllis Jean Duden, surrounded by her four children, passed from this life May 5, 2013, at her home in King City, California.
Phyllis was born May 19, 1924, to French William Lake and Gertrude Athena Lake, in Gilroy, where she was raised with her siblings: Bill, Lois, Carol and Richard.
In Gilroy, Phyllis worked as a bus-girl in a coffee shop, an operator for the telephone company, and after she was married, as a banker with American Trust Company. Upon graduation (1942), she worked at a stationary store in San Jose, moved to Oakland during the war, and worked in a jewelry store. After the war, she moved back to Gilroy.
On May 10, 1952, Phyllis married Rex Duden, also born and raised in Gilroy. In 1958, they moved to King City and raised their four children. During their 55 years in King City, Phyllis worked at the medical clinic, for Bassetti Farms, and enjoyed a 13 year banking career before retiring. She also volunteered at their children’s school and 4-H club, and the hospital service league. On their 61st wedding anniversary, our Mom was laid to rest with our Dad. Home, once again, in Gilroy.
Phyllis leaves behind her children: Trudy Merkle, Cindy Banuelos, Mark Duden, Steven Duden, seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; sister, Carol Sulau; brother, Richard Lake; brothers-in-law, John Filice and Merle Duden; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband, Rex Duden; grandson, Richard Gaisford; brother, William Lake; sister, Lois Filice.
