Connie Jane Decker

Connie Jane Decker, 66, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2015, in Tacoma, Washington. She was surrounded by her family. Connie was born December 25, 1948, to Jesse and Dorothy Shoulders in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Much of her time was spent moving between Tennessee and Georgia before moving to Washington. She was a resident of Edgewood, Washington for 34 years. She married Allen F. Decker on March 26, 1966 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They moved to Washington where they raised their eight children. Connie also owned her own daycare where she lovingly cared for each child…sometimes without payment despite it being her livelihood. Connie enjoyed genealogy, her family, and serving others. Her family will remember her for being humble, selfless, forgiving, strong, compassionate, and happy. She was also known for being a bit stubborn and for always being right. Surviving are her husband, Allen Decker of Edgewood, Washington; four sons, Adam Decker of Edgewood, Daniel Decker of Algona, Christopher Decker of Rochester, and Shawn Decker of Algona; daughters, Pamela Davis of Lacey, Dawn Addleman of Tacoma, Patricia Hyatt of Rochester, and Susan Lewis of Auburn; brothers, Charles Shoulders, Michael Shoulders, and Paul Shoulders; sisters, Janice Alston and Debbie Merriman; 26 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Her parents predeceased her. It is impossible to write the countless acts of quiet service she has done her entire life; even recently, when she could hardly walk, she was up helping another who needed it worse. She never refused to fill a need when she saw one. She was one of the most compassionate and self-sacrificing people we have ever known. Her family was her passion. You would see her tirelessly work all day and then spend hours carpooling kids where they needed to be. You would find her at school concerts, recitals, and sporting events, any place where her kids and grandkids were performing. With patience and love, she saw only the good in her family and defended them when others saw only the mistakes. Her forgiveness was always quick to give. She welcomed all into the family as one of her own. Her dedication and unfailing love will always be an inspiration to her family. Her love for her husband was always constant and eternal. She loved him with all her heart. From the very beginning, he was the one. They often showed their love for each other in little ways. You would catch her teasing him and hear a little giggle when she knew she got the best of him. While we are full of tears and sorrow because we know she is not physically with us, she lives on, not only does her spirit live on, but she really, truly lives on through all of those whose lives she touched. We can sincerely say that there are few, if any, that she met whose life she didn’t touch. This was a woman who lived her life with integrity. Though she faced many trials, her testimony of the Savior never wavered. She was and always will be a pillar of strength, a defender of family, and a servant of the Lord. In a recent school interview with one of her granddaughters, she was asked the question, “What would you want people to remember her for?” Her response was simple: she wanted to be known for finding the good in all and that she loved all people. She was an amazing woman and will always be in our hearts and our thoughts. Please leave memories of Connie or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.