Debra Jane Decker, age 56, of Marion, passed away Sunday evening, November 21, 2010, at Heartland of Marion following a valiant eight month battle with cancer.
On December 30, 1953, Debra was born in Marion, Ohio, the daughter of Hester “Jane” (Gilbert) Weddington of Marion, and the late Carl Weddington.
A lifelong resident of Marion, Debra graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1972. Wanting to follow her dream of becoming a beautician, she continued her schooling at the cosmetology school in Marion.
Not long after completing school, Debra was bantering with a group of her friends at Mike’s work about “who owns that new Jeep outside.” It turns out the Jeep was someone’s whom she had not yet become acquainted with, Michael Decker. In her own style and flare, she arranged to take a ride in the Jeep and quickly won his heart. After dating for two years, they were married on October 23, 1976, making Mike “the luckiest guy in the world.” Together they raised three children, all whom they are deeply proud of, and shared over thirty four wonderful years of marriage.
For the last five plus years, Debra has worked as a partner and beautician at Take 5 in Marion. Prior to Take 5, she worked for many years with Norma Williamson at Meadow Lane in the Kingston Residence. She cherished the friendships she made with any one who ever sat in her chair.
A proud member of “Marion’s finest ladies euchre club,” Debra looked forward to their monthly card club get together. She also loved when their group went together on a cruise.
An avid reader, Debra loved to read a good romance and adventure novel. She enjoyed taking trips with Michael and friends down to Lake Cumberland, where Mike could enjoy water skiing and she could enjoy reading by the lake while he was away.
Affectionately known as “the hostess with the mostess,” Debra loved to entertain for her dearest family and friends and she made certain everything was “perfect” for everyone. For many special occasions, she would make a towel cake, which somehow she always made “look good enough to eat.”
Having the gift of gab, Debra had a natural and spontaneous way of telling the best stories and most especially the best jokes. “She had a litany of jokes she could recall from the beauty shop,” and she seemed to always find the perfect moment for them. Her fun loving and bubbly personality, won most everyone over. She also had “the Gilbert girl grit and moxie,” overcoming and thriving in any situation.
Finding a good and creative use for most anything, Debra could see something and think of an idea for the perfect gift for someone. Her crafts were always homemade, even going as far as making her own ribbon from scratch. To help keep her collection of materials more organized, Michael gave her the perfect set up in the basement. Once the gifts were complete, they would make their way into the infamous “gift closet.”
Putting her beloved family first, Debra’s first concerns were always making sure her family was taken care of, especially her precious grandchildren. “She was a worry wart in the best possible way,” because she cared too much for those dearly loved.
Recently saved, Debra put her trust and faith in the Lord. Her family is grateful they know they will be reunited again in Heaven.
She will be dearly missed by her beloved husband, Michael Decker of Marion; three children: Michael “Bruce” (Mariana) Decker of Portland, Oregon, and their daughter, Mia, Heidi (Harold) Beekman of Marion, and their children: Paige, Katlyn, Ben and Michael, and J.C. (Crystal) Decker of Columbus; her mother, Jane Weddington of Marion; a brother, Daniel Weddington of Newark; a sister, Diana (Keith) Ogle of Bexley; several nieces and nephews; and by her mother-in-law, Ruthanna Decker of Zephyrhills, Florida.
The Decker family will greet friends from 4 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life will also be held there on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Ryan Chivington officiating. Burial will be held privately with family at Fairview Cemetery in LaRue.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
For those wishing to express their condolences online to Debra’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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