Linda Louise Decker

Linda Louise (Kocher) DECKER Born in Aberdeen, WA on June 6, 1936. Died November 23, 2008 - almost 10 years to the day that she lost her high school sweetheart and lifetime love, Ronald Lund of Hoquiam, WA. Linda grew up in Aberdeen and attended Weatherwax High School, where she was a popular "Song Queen" and member of the synchronized swim team the "Golden Fins." Linda was also the piano player for a trio that sang for high school assemblies, the Kiwanis Club, and also performed radio commercials on KBKW for "Swanson's" Grocery Store. Linda was accepted to the University of Washington's 1958 Dental Hygiene class - filling one of only 14 places. After graduating, although Ron proposed, she chose to pursue her career in Palm Springs, CA. She settled in Seattle and married Jay Decker Sr. in November 1964, and together they raised two children. After divorce, she reunited with Ron in 1982 and enjoyed a second chance at first love. They remained together until his death in 1998. Linda was an industrious member of the community, fundraising for the "March of Dimes," volunteering for Montlake Elementary School's summer book program, organizing cheese and coffee co-ops before "Gouda" and "Kenya" were household names, playing on a Capitol Hill soccer team and teaching bread-baking classes at the local YMCA. She was a Master Gardener and often volunteered for the Washington Park Arboretum. In 2005, she moved to her summer home on Hood Canal where she enjoyed the wildlife and the water, crab-potting, and the salve of a brilliant sunset over the Olympic Mountains. Often heard saying "Life is short, honey" she also enjoyed the occasional skinny-dip. Her mother once said: "Even as a very young toddler, she loved the water. Whenever the sprinkler was on, she was under it - whether she was wearing a bathing suit or not." "Lindy" will be forever remembered by her best friend of 58 years Lorraine (Williams) Myers, Belfair, WA, daughter Amy Decker, Bainbridge Island, WA, son Jay Decker, Jr., Seattle, WA, sister Ruth Zwickel, Cortes Island, BC, brother Virg Kocher, Ocean Park, WA, sister Kathleen (Kitty) Smith, Winthrop, WA and extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers please consider making a tribute gift to the Washington Park Arboretum. A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2009. Arrangements are under the direction of McComb Funeral Home in Shelton, WA: (360) 426-4803 or email LKDmemorial@gmail.com.