Donice Jean Duckett, 89, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 28, 2026, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Donice was born on March 7, 1937, on a farm to Morris and Velma Cayce. She grew up on a dairy farm, where she helped milk cows morning and evening. Even as a child, Donice had a special love for turtles and sometimes had as many as 10 to 13 of them. She graduated from Kansas High School in Kansas, Oklahoma.

Following high school, Donice attended Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education. Later in life, she continued her education and earned her master's degree from Oklahoma State University.

On May 31, 1958, Donice married Roy Duckett in a ceremony held on the family farm. Together, they raised their family, their two girls, Terry Duckett Branson, and Toni Duckett and built a life filled with love, adventure, and many treasured memories.

Teaching was one of Donice's greatest callings. She spent more than 40 years as an educator, teaching elementary school students for many years in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1979, Donice and Roy made the adventurous decision to move to Alaska to teach. Their years there brought many precious memories that they would carry with them throughout their lives. During the summers, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, usually staying at KOA campgrounds along the way. Donice's final teaching position was in Arlington, Texas, where she received the honor of Teacher of the Year. After more than four decades in education, she retired in 2002. She dearly loved her students, and teaching remained an important part of her life.

Retirement gave Donice and Roy more time to enjoy traveling and making memories with their grandchildren, Tera Branson and Taylor Branson. They traveled throughout the United States, enjoying the time they could spend together and with their grandchildren.

Donice found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved to cook and especially enjoyed celebrating holidays with family. The Fourth of July was her favorite holiday, with Christmas being another special time of year. She also loved Halloween and enjoyed giving candy to children. Among her greatest loves were her dogs, particularly her beloved Schnauzers.

Donice had a warm, welcoming personality and never met a stranger. Her love for people, her dedication to her students, and the memories she created with those closest to her will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Velma Cayce; Siblings, Marcile, Linda Kay Philips, and Neal Cayce. Donice is Survived by her loving husband Roy Duckett; Sister, Linda and Tony Philips; Daughters, Terry Duckett, Toni and Branson Duckett; Son in law, Jerry Branson; Grandchildren Tera Branson Banister and Taylor Branson; Daughter in law Amy Banister; Great Grandchild Isaiah Banister; Nephew, Cayce and Lindy Philips; Niece Monica and Brett Goode; and Cousin Liesa Gwartney.

From her loving daughters, Terry and Toni, “We could not have asked for a better mom. We love her with all our hearts. She was our mom and we loved her, we love you momma.”