Jeraldene Duckworth, 96, of Pekin, Illinois, formerly of Morton, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Pekin Manor in Pekin.

He was born on July 16, 1929, in Benton, Illinois, to William and Arvada Summers Duckworth. He married Elsie Duckworth on October 28, 1949. She passed away on April 24, 2021. He was also preceded in death by his son, Jerry Duckworth; his great-grandson, Tyler DeVault; two brothers, Eugene and Kermit Duckworth; and a sister, Marilyn Hatchett.

He is lovingly survived by his two daughters, Alice (Bill) Siebenthal of Bartonville, Illinois, and Mary (Marty) DeVault from Erie, Illinois, as well as her daughter-in-law, Christine Duckworth of Washington, Illinois. His family also includes seven grandchildren: Jerry, Rusty, Amy, Paul, Marsha, Matt, and Laura; 22 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, with another precious great-great-grandchild expected in August 2026. He is also survived by his sister, Sue Oathout, from Florida.

He worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 30 years and retired in 1980. He loved riding horses and served as a past president of the Morton Riding Club. He often went on horseback trips to Thompsonville, IL. He loved gardening and valued family time, particularly with his grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton. Memorials in his name can be given to the family, who will then provide them to a trust fund for his unborn great-great-granddaughter, Lottie Jean Dowell. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence with his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with his burial arrangements.