Obituary: Mary Duerksen
Mary Ellen Moyer Duerksen died on Sept. 2, 2026, at her home in Oxford, Ohio, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her husband Roland. She was 98 years old.
Mary’s focus in life was always the well-being of others. She was the selfless rock of the family as she raised her three children and then became a loving grandma. She also dedicated herself for many decades to advocating political and social change to improve the lives of people everywhere facing poverty and injustice.
Mary was born March 25, 1928, and grew up on an Oklahoma sheep farm. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Bethel College, in North Newton, Kansas, and taught school for a few years. She married Roland Duerksen in 1955, and they moved to Indiana for his graduate studies and career as an English professor. They moved to Oxford in 1968. Mary later earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Miami University. She worked in public education for nearly 20 years.
Enjoying politics at all levels, she worked on numerous state and national election campaigns and served one term on Oxford City Council, until she and Roland moved slightly outside city limits. As an active member of Oxford Citizens for Peace and Justice, Mary participated in community organizing against war and for many social issues. Long into her 90s, she kept a computer file of talking points on multiple issues of social and economic justice. She frequently called and emailed elected representatives to prod them toward conscientious decisions.
Mary was a lifelong learner, traveling with Roland on elder education programs around the world. She enjoyed many friendships in town and was a longtime member of Oxford
Friends Meeting. She took delight in her family and also in word games, collecting and refinishing antique furniture and tending her vegetable, herb, raspberry and flower gardens.
Mary is survived by her husband Roland, age 99; her children Susan (Arthur Salm) of San Diego, William (Kaye) and Kenneth (Julie Gallagher), of Oxford; grandchildren Heather Bernal, Rachel Duerksen, Jacob Duerksen, Benjamin Duerksen and Zoe Menezes; four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her three siblings.
No public memorial is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: American Friends Service Committee, or to the Oxford Citizens for Peace and Justice.
This obituary was submitted to the Oxford Free Press.
