Ruth Evelyn Decker

Ruth Evelyn Decker, age 86, of Dixon, formerly of Elburn, passed away quietly into the arms of her Savior, surrounded by the love of her family, Wednesday, January 3, 2018.
She was born on April 30, 1931 in Aledo, IL, to the proud parents, Joe and Margaret (Howie) Palmer.
Ruth grew up in Aledo and attended local schools, graduating at the top of her class at Aledo High School.
Ruth met the love of her life in the halls of her high school and all it took was a double date with Norman A. Decker to seal the deal. They each found the missing pieces of themselves in each other and walked down the aisle hand-in-hand on August 22, 1949.
They began their new life together on the family farm but moved to Elburn a few years later. Norman worked for Arnold Erickson Sand and Gravel, Feltes and Fox River Stone while Ruth made their house a home. That home became a destination for anyone looking for a warm smile and compassionate ear.
After raising a “million” children, many of whom were neighborhood kids who just called her “Ma”, Ruth was a familiar face in the lunch line at Kaneland High School for many years, serving up food with a smile for each student.
Ruth was an avid reader, blazing through titles so quick it would be easier to list the books she didn’t read. When she didn’t have a book in her hand, she loved to take the kids to different parks and forest preserves, made delicious donuts that were not to be missed and crocheted, knit and did needle point to her hearts content.
She is survived by six children: Evelyn Krebbs, Jane Frieders, Richard Decker, Norma (Dan) Grabowski, Nancy (Gene) Wears and Jim (Sheryl) Decker; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and a countryside of friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband Norman; her parents, Joe and Margaret Palmer; one daughter Judy Hendrickson; a son-in-law, Larry Krebbs and one granddaughter, Sarah Gholson.
Following cremation, a graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11 a.m., at Blackberry Township Cemetery in Elburn. Arrangements were handled with care by Conley Funeral Home, 630-365-6414.

Following cremation, a graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11 a.m., at Blackberry Township Cemetery in Elburn. Arrangements were handled with care by Conley Funeral Home, 630-365-6414.

Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn, IL