Marie I. Decker, 86, of Paxton, IL

Marie I. Decker, 86, of Paxton, IL

Marie I. Decker, 86, passed away at her home in rural Paxton on Sunday morning, August 6, 2009, after a long illness and hospice care.

She was born October 1, 1922 in Ludlow, IL, a daughter of Jerry and Esther Sheehan. She married Bill Decker in 1947. He preceded her in death on November 20, 1997.

Surviving are a daughter, Jaci Davis of Champaign, IL; a son, Jerry (Thelma) Davis of Dillsburg, PA; two sisters, Doris (Fred) Punke of Elliott, IL and Alyce (Rollie) Seibring of Paxton, IL; and one brother, Jon (Janet) Sheehan of Paxton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Jim (Esther) Sheehan of Hoopeston, IL; an infant sister, Wanda Elizabeth; and a grandson, Bill Davis of Harrisburg, PA.

She and her husband farmed together near Ludlow, Gifford and Paxton before they both retired in 1988. She was a graduate of Paxton High School and Danville School of Cosmetology and operated a beauty shop at her country residences from 1955 to 1985. She was an avid gardener, each year raising beautiful flowers alongside bountiful vegetable gardens. After she and her husband retired they traveled to several states and Mexico, while spending some winters in Arizona. One of her favorite adventures was traveling to Ireland in 1988 for Dublin’s millennial celebration.

There will be a visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20 at Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton with a memorial service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Ludlow Community Center, PO Box 177, Ludlow, IL 60949.