Debra Rhodes Luke

Debra Rhodes Luke (age 62) passed away in her home on a quiet Sunday afternoon, August 6th, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, following a nearly seven-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was an amazing person whose open and accepting attitude made all who came in contact with her feel loved and important. Debra, known as Debbie to family and friends, was raised in Tremonton, Utah; the 3rd child of Carl and Nola Rhodes. She grew up helping around the house and farm. Her brothers and sisters all call her the peacemaker of their family. While attending LDS Business College in Salt Lake City she met the love of her life, Gaylan Luke, whom she married on September 18, 1975, in the Logan LDS Temple. Together they raised seven children. She taught them to love each other, serve everyone, and enjoy life. She was an amazing mother and considered that her most important profession. She was given the opportunity to impact many lives outside her home as she lovingly served the children, youth, and adults in her church. She also served an LDS Humanitarian Mission with her husband, touching many with her faith and unconditional love. An avid reader, she invited the children of Westbrook Elementary to share her love of reading as she worked in the library for 14 years. As in-laws and grandchildren came into her family, Debbie's heart grew to include them in to her loving home. She adored her 18 grandchildren and rejoiced in every opportunity to spend time with them. At the age of 55, she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer which she fought fiercely with an optimistic attitude and faith-filled determination. Her will to live and fight never wavered even when her physical body tired out. She lived a selfless life filled with love for all and had an impact far greater than she ever could have imagined. Her quiet, fun personality reached out in unconditional love towards all she met. Her legacy of service and goodwill continues through her children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Nola Hunsaker and Carl Rhodes of Tremonton, Utah; her mother- and father-in- law, Mae Beth Bradshaw and William Luke of Kingston, Utah; and her brothers-in- law, Desmond Luke and Kevin Hull. She is survived by her devoted husband, Gaylan Luke; adoring children, David (Florence), Johanna (Brian Williams), Jeremiah (Trena), Melinda (Talen Quigley), Emily (Glen Gunnell), Brandon (Pamela), Laura (Adam Jones); loving siblings, Karla, Denise (Dustin Cornwall), Wesley (Donell), Tim (May Dawn), Jayne (Dee Hunsaker); and in-laws, Taunae, Ilene (John Bracken), Kyle (Cheri), Sherree (Philippe Blot), MaryAnn, Lisa (Steven Scheid) and Samuel. She leaves behind 18 wonderful grandchildren who brought an extra spark of joy and purpose to her life: Ethan, Jayden, Alyssa, Aimee, Bradley, McKenna, Micah, Kara, Tyler, O'Shea, Reid, Sophia, Ruby, Peter, Austin, Eldon, Lydia, and baby girl Jones. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 11, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at the LDS Chapel located at 4113 W. 6200 S., West Jordan, UT. Viewings will be held Thursday, August 10th, 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, and prior to services at the church on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Taylorsville City Cemetery. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Westbrook 5th Ward congregation for their constant support and faith; the Huntsman Cancer Institute, especially the caring staff of Dr. Teresa Warner; IHC hospice nurses and aides; and the McDougal Funeral Home for their compassionate service. The family asks that any desired donations to be made to Sandoval Memorial 5k which is an organization to help increase the research and awareness of ovarian cancer. A cause that Debbie was very passionate about due to her own personal fight against ovarian cancer. http://medicine.utah.edu/obgyn/ssrun/ Place of Birth:Brigham City, UtahPlace of Death:Taylorsville, Utah