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BETTY DECKER Obituary


Manson, Wash.

Precht Rose Chapel

Betty Jane Decker, 72, of Manson, WA, went home to be with Jesus on June 3, 2011. She lived her life with love, joy, passion, grace and humility, always serving and giving to others. She was born to Fred and Edith Leonard on March 10, 1939, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. As a young child, her family moved to Wallula, WA, where she spent the rest of her childhood and met the love of her life, Jim Decker. They were married June 15, 1957, in Kennewick, WA, and then moved to the Seattle area where they raised their family. After Jim's retirement in June 1995, they moved to Manson, WA.

Her love of life and people kept her continually involved in the community there working at Wapato Point, Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store and Mill Bay Casino. If God finds pleasure watching us do what we were created for, he definitely found pleasure in watching Betty in her role as wife, mom, grandma, sister and friend. All who knew her were continually blessed by her gift of candy making, baking and cooking skills which she loved to share.

Betty is survived by her loving husband Jim of 54 years; children, Janice (Randy) Hansen of Everett; Brenda (Brian) Olson of Marysville; Diana (Bill) Light of Richmond, VA; Jim (Jodi) Decker of Monroe; Jeff (Kelly) Decker of East Wenatchee. She is also survived by her treasured grandchildren, Nick (Kaylee) Hansen, Brandon (Sophie) Olson, Brittni (Rory) Klein, Matt Hansen, Bruce Olson, Sam and Rachel Hively, Naomi Burnell, Nathaniel Light, Casey and Shaelyn Decker, Wilson and a great-grandchild on the way; 11 siblings and many in-laws, and all her special nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Betty's life will take place on Saturday, June 11, at 11 a.m. at North Shore Bible Church in Manson with Rev. Craig Rayment officiating. Memorials may be made to North Shore Bible Church because 'God's work is never done.' Arrangements have been entrusted to Precht Rose Chapel, Chelan.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tri-City Herald on Jun. 8, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for BETTY DECKER

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Lee and Janet McElvaine

June 13, 2011

Janice and Randy - Our sympathy to you and your family. Love your mom's smile - it shows in your lives. Take care.

June 11, 2011

You welcomed us into your home and church, when we moved to South Everett many years ago. Our sons have such great memories of Betty and your family. In great sorrow, we have peace knowing she's with the Lord. The Lord will be your strength and comfort at this time.Our hearts and prayers are with you. Tom & Ann Forester (Paul, Tim & Jonathan)

Whitney Reidy

June 11, 2011

I grew up in Silver Lake with ALL the kids and it was always a treat to visit and have overnights at their house because Betty always wanted everything just right for us. She holds a special place in all our hearts.
Whitney Spiwak Reidy

July 19, 2010

June 10, 2011

We became part of Betty's family when our daughter Kaylee married Betty’s wonderful grandson Nick Hansen. Betty instantly casted her spell over our family, with her friendly, kind and warmhearted persona. You were drawn to her at the family functions with her never-ending smile. She gave off a glow and warmth that attracted you to her.

We were the beneficiaries of the strong family she and Jim built, we have felt so blessed our daughter married into this amazing family. We were already being spoiled with her famous caramels and cinnamon rolls. She was a woman that lived a full life and gave us all so much. We are all better people for having Betty be part of our lives. Our hearts and prayer goes to the family. She was the rock star of the family!

Our love,
Debra & Gary Kolrud
Kacey and Korey Kolrud

Linda Taylor

June 10, 2011

Brenda & Families,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. My Mom remembers walking for hours with Betty when they were on our graduation prize committee getting donations from Everett businesses and having a good time doing it!
Brenda, there were a few sleep overs at your house and I remember your Mom fondly especially when it came to cooking. I know this is very hard for you and your family but I hope that your great memories of her stay with you always.
Linda Taylor(Prater)
Ida Colebourn(Prater)

Beverly Leonard

June 9, 2011

Aunt Betty was my 2nd mom throughout my childhood. I spent almost as much time at the Decker's house as I did my own. Her smile would light up a room. I can still feel her loving arms wrapped around me. I am so grateful for her influence in my life. I will miss her dearly.

Nancy Swaffield

June 9, 2011

I knew Betty when she lived in Everett, we were neighbors. We had many talks. Our kids went to school together. She was a lovely lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Claudia (Williams) Dodel

June 9, 2011

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." Proverbs 31:25-31

I can think of no other fitting words of Betty.
I worked with Betty at Physio Control for about a year and I ADORED her to the moon and back and back again. I remember vividly the conversations we'd have about finally being with the Lord. Betty's eyes were always shining and bright with God's love, but never like they did when we spoke of Him. To know that she is with Him now, remembering that excitement in her eyes warms my broken heart.

My love and prayers go out to Jim and all who knew and love her. She is one of those people you meet in life that never leave your heart, or are far from your thoughts.

May God wrap his loving arms around us all in comfort while we miss this wonderfully kind, loving and beautiful woman.
Betty, my glass of wine I will lift to you until we meet again.
God Bless,

June 9, 2011

Jim and family: We are so sorry for your loss, we have very good thoughts of Betty and family in Silver Lake she will be greatly missed our thoughts are with you wish we could be there for you but we're in Florida our hearts are with you and your families. All Our Love Don and Carol Mutschler

June 8, 2011

Jim and Family: You may not remember we , but we lived at the other end of 33rd street. Sonny and Sue Hartzell, Jason and Lori . Carol was next door and she worked for me in the income tax business. Colleen sent this to me. Even though we haven't seen each other for many years, I still remember Betty (and You) fondly and am sorry to hear of her passing.
We live in Arizona now but Lori and Jason are in the Everett area. Take care Jim and again , our blessings go to you and your family.
Sue Hartzell

Lori Mutschler-Moran

June 8, 2011

Im so sorry to hear of Bettys passing...I remember always being next door just hanging out, Betty always made me feel welcome, just like one of her own...Even traveling with the Deckers to Tri-Cities to visit family....my heart and thoughts are with all of you...All my love...

Kaylee Hansen

June 8, 2011

Betty, thank you for making me feel so much like a grandchild. I love you like a grandma and always will. I know you are up in Heaven enjoying a big glass of wine, save me a glass for the day I get to join you. I love you.

Geoff and Carlene Goldfinch

June 8, 2011

Dear Brenda, Janice and families, sending our thoughts with you at this difficult time for the loss of your beautiful Mom.
Our love and prayers are with you all.

Starr & Fern Soderstrom

June 8, 2011

Our family and our church body is praying for your family. Praise the Lord that Betty is in His loving care. The hope and blessed assurance we are given when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ makes all the difference at a time like this.

God Bless & Take Care,

Mandi Lamoreaux

June 8, 2011

Thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending love your way.

Doug Funkhouser

June 8, 2011

Betty reminded me of my own grandmother, a role she fulfilled to the max. I extend my deepest sympathies to all of Betty's family, especially Brittni Klein my daughter in-law. You are all in my prayers.....Doug Funkhouser

Leo Carpenter

June 8, 2011

I'm having so much trouble right now digesting the fact that there is actually a world without Betty Decker in it. What a woman of God whose faith and love transcended all barriers. Everyone that met her was welcomed into her life. She and Jim raised their family to love the Lord Jesus Christ with all their hearts, souls and minds. I know it's not for me to ask God why He called her out of our world...but truly..it's a little bit worse without her in it.

Scott Spiwak

June 8, 2011

Very, very sorry to find out of Betty's passing. She was such a great mother and such a strong person. She was an inspiration to many, many people, self included. She will be missed.

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