Wylla Decker Barsness

Wylla Ruth Decker Barsness was born on October 21, 1924 in Denver, Colorado to Rutherford Losey and Gladys (Jarnagin) Decker. She attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri where she met John (Jack) Alton Barsness. They both graduated then married on June 9, 1951. Eventually, both Jack and Wylla got their Ph.D.’s in American Studies and Child Psychology (respectively) at University of Minnesota and spent the early part of their teaching careers at Montana State University: Jack in the English department, and Wylla in psychology. In 1968 Jack and Wylla were hired by Boise State University where Jack taught until his death in 1969. Wylla continued teaching until her retirement after which she remained in contact with the department and taught part time until 1999. She was a member of the Idaho State Board of Health and Welfare from 1980 to 1987. She taught some of the first gender specific classes at Boise State; served as faculty adviser for the Women’s Alliance, which was Boise State’s first student women’s organization; and played a major role in establishing the university’s first Women’s Center. She was awarded a Danforth Scholarship in 1972-76; she was a HersWest Women Making History honoree in 2008. Recently Wylla taught at St Michael’s Baby Steps program, promoting health in pregnancy and early babyhood. In an article by Bobbie Cunningham, Wylla said, "I try to teach mothers the value of self-respect. If you respect yourself, you can talk to your kids so they can learn they’re valuable." She loved being a teacher. The day before she died, she realized she and her tech were both Libras. The tech was in school for social work, and Wylla asked, "How good are you in math?" The tech said, "I don’t do math." But Wylla argued, "If you can’t do math you can’t do statistics." And continued to point out why. By the end of the conversation the tech said what many others before her have: "She changed my life." Wylla’s passion for helping people reach their potential was immense. She never said no to someone asking for help. Never. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, and grandson James Jackson Barsness. Survivors include sister Marjory Ann Decker of Denver, CO, brother James (Charlotte) Decker of Bellevue, NE; children John Jr. (Eileen Clarke) of Townsend, MT, James (Didi Dunphy) Athens GA , Karen (Ken Rist) Denver and Boise, and Sarah of San Francisco; grandchildren Max of Los Angeles, and Lucy of Athens Georgia; great-grandson Braden Gerlach and numerous nieces and nephews, not to mention friends, all over the United States. In lieu of flowers, Wylla had requested that gifts and memorials be sent to Paradise Point Camp Fund, % St. Michael’s Episcopal Cathedral, 510 North 8th Street, Boise, Idaho 83702. Wylla’s memorial service will be Sunday, December 23rd, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church at 1pm, reception following. BYOB White wine, cheese, and assorted nuts. Arrangements are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian. Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com