Ella Mae Duncan

Ella Mae (Fallin) Duncan December 2, 1922 – January 10, 2025

Ella Mae (Fallin) Duncan born December 2, 1922, in Hagerman, Idaho, to Ralph Nathan and Nora Eliason Fallin, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025. She was 102 years old.

Ella was the younger sister of Vern Edward Fallin and grew up in Hagerman, where she excelled both academically and athletically. A proud member of the Idaho State girls' championship basketball team for two consecutive years (1938-1939), she graduated from Hagerman High School before attending Albion State Normal School, where she graduated in 1942.

In 1942-43, she taught 5th grade in Jerome, Idaho, before marrying Lieutenant Kenneth W. Duncan in 1943. During World War II, Ella taught junior high school and coached both boys' and girls' basketball in Hagerman.

Ella's life was shaped by her role as a mother and military spouse. She and Kenneth welcomed their first daughter, Pamela K., on January 5, 1944, and their second daughter, Penny Lou, on October 20, 1946. Throughout her husband’s military career, the family moved frequently, living in locations such as Fort Lewis, WA, Columbus, GA, Nellingen, Germany, Monterey and San Francisco, CA, Poitier, France, Frankfurt, Germany, and finally El Paso, TX.

Ella earned her teaching certificate from San Francisco State University. Over the course of her career, she taught for 12 years in Idaho, California, Poitier, France, and Frankfurt, Germany, and an additional 24 years in El Paso, retiring in 1986 after a fulfilling teaching career that touched countless lives.

In retirement, Ella remained active in her community, serving as president of PWP (Parents Without Partners) and enjoying her lifelong passion for bridge. A member of the American Contract Bridge League for many years, she attained Ruby Life Master rank, and her last competitive bridge game was held at the El Paso Bridge Center on January 3, 2025.

Ella also enjoyed bowling, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She was a lover of all sports, especially golf. She maintained many lasting friendships over the years.

Ella is survived by her daughter Pamela and husband Lloyd Fannon, six grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love, joy, and passion for life.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorial Service will take place from 1:00 - 3:00 PM on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Homes- Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr.

In lie of flowers please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice in Ella's name.