Obituary of Berniece Decker

A funeral service for Berniece Jensen Decker will be held at 9 a.m., Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 at the LDS Chapel on 2430 Mariposa Ave. She died Monday, Dec. 24, 2012, in Chico, CA, at the age of 105, and was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Eugene Decker, on Oct. 18, 1986. In their sixty years together, they were blessed with happiness and a great love for each other. We know they are happy to be together again. Berniece was born May 10, 1907, to Andrew and Clara Jensen in Shelley, Idaho, and was raised and attended schools in Shelley, Pocatello, Rupert, and Idaho Falls. As a child, she helped with the family's boarding house business. She loved dancing, and on Nov. 16, 1926, Berniece married her favorite dance partner, Harold in Idaho Falls; their marriage was blessed with two wonderful daughters. Except for a short relocation to Oregon to help with the defense effort during the Second World War, the family lived in Pocatello and then Idaho Falls until the couple moved to Chico in 1982. Always busy, Berniece worked in several mercantile stores and as bookkeeper for her husband's paint contracting business for many years. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in a variety of teaching and leadership positions. She loved to use her hands, and engaged in gardening, interior decorating, sewing and ceramics; she sewed all of her daughters' clothing, shared her talents with others as the Craft Director for the city of Idaho Falls, and in the family, her delicious bread and scones are famous. We remember our beloved Grandma Bea's example as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She always had a smile on her face for family, friends, and even strangers; although no one was a stranger for long. She was quick to share her laughter and conversation, and continued her lifelong love of music and dancing even when confined to a wheelchair. Her positive attitude and good nature continue as a light to all she knew. Survivors include her two daughters: Donna Rae Hawkley of Chico, CA, and Bethea Lorraine Lenzi of Twin Falls, ID; four grandchildren: Redge Monte Hawkley of Paradise, CA, Royal Decker Hawkley of Chico, CA, Pieper Wardell, of McMinnville, OR, and Dakin Bowman, of Twin Falls, ID; twenty great-grandchildren; and seventeen great-great-grandchildren. Visitation and viewing will be held at 8:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 before the funeral service. Interment will be in Glen Oaks Memorial Park. Thanks to Windsor Chico Care Center for the loving care given to Berniece the past 10 plus years. Memorial contributions may be made to the local Family History Center of the LDS Church, in care of Brusie Funeral Home, who is in charge of all arrangements.