Martha J. Decker
Martha J. Decker, 91, a longtime resident of Warsaw, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, in Kingston at Dupont, Fort Wayne.
She was born on April 1, 1927, in Bluffton. One of five children, she was the daughter of Harvey and Ruby (Russell) Baumgartner. She spent much of her young life in Wells County, living near Uniondale, and later in Defiance, Ohio. She was a 1945 graduate of Defiance High School.
On Aug. 17, 1946, she was united in marriage to Dean Decker in Warsaw. Their 65-year marriage brought many happy memories and together they lovingly raised five daughters on the family farm.
She was known for her love of family; to her, there was always room for more at the table. She was known for her cooking and baking prowess and especially loved for her pecan rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and rhubarb custard pie.
After retirement, the Decker’s wintered in Palmetto, Fla., spending their time at Coach House Mobile Home Park where she enjoyed playing Bingo. She was a member of Clunette United Methodist Church and loved the fellowship of others. She was friendly, loving and positively kind.
Dearly missed by many, survivors include five daughters: Judy Coplen of Fort Wayne; Barbara (Bruce) Smith of Leo; Cathy (Paul) Northcutt of Warsaw; Deanna (Jim) Swain of Cromwell; and Linda Doran (Doug Westendorf) of Burket; and four grandchildren: Zachary (Melissa) Smith of Grabill; Amanda Smith of Leo; Alex (Emery) Owens of Easton, Penn.; and Brittany Northcutt of Munhall, Penn. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Jaida, Kerrick, Korra and Jensen; a sister-in-law, Margaret Baumgartner and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
In addition to her husband, Dean, who died in 2012, those who preceded her in passing include her parents; four siblings: Maurice Baumgartner, Lucille Fisher, Donald Baumgartner and Wayne Baumgartner and two sons-in-law, Steve Nelson and Craig Doran.
Friends may call at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw, from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 10. On Monday, a funeral which celebrates Martha Decker’s life will be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. An additional hour of visitation will be held prior to the service which Pastor Mike Beezley will officiate. Burial will be in Wooden Cemetery (Harrison Center).
Memorial gifts may be directed to Clunette UMC, 4227 West 600 North, Leesburg, IN 46538, or to a charity of the donor’s choosing. Or, in memory of Martha, bake a double-batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies to share with those you love.
Martha’s family wishes to thank the staff of Kingston at Dupont and the staff of Heartland Hospice Care for the tender, loving care which they provided.