JoAnn Marie Decker passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2012 with her family at her side. She was born on Oct. 13, 1937 to Woodrow and Johanna McKnight in Minot, N.D. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Dirk Decker, son Derrick Decker of St. Louis, Mo, daughter Debra and son-in-law Larry Winchell of Oak Creek, Wis., grandsons Dustin and Dennis Decker of Belleville, Ill., sister Rosetta and brother-in-law Fred Medina of Albuquerque, her dog Cassie and many friends. JoAnn loved the outdoors and particularly fishing and RVing. She spent her early years in North Dakota and Montana. After she was married and had two children she put her husband through engineering school. She and her family spent many years traveling with several tours overseas. Her favorite year was spent in Tirrenia, Italy. They eventually settled in Las Cruces in 1979 and became avid RVers while enjoying the Southwest. She enjoyed riding with Dirk on their Harley and rode in the Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary parade in Milwaukee. She loved painting and working with stained glass. She was the kindest wife, mother and friend anyone could ever know. JoAnn spent the last three months at Heritage Assisted Living. We would like to thank the Heritage staff and Hospice for caring for and caring about her and making the last three months more comfortable. They were all wonderful. JoAnn's remains will be cremated. Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com.
Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on November 22, 2012
