Gertrude I Decker

Gertrude I. Decker

Gertrude I. Decker, 90, 911 N. Oak, elementary teacher, died Thursday (April 16, 1998) at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus in Wichita.

She was born Oct. 18, 1907, in rural Hartford to Francis and Wilhelmina Mary (Elison) Decker.

She came to Newton in 1957 from Hartford. She was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church and Altar Society, both of Newton, American Association of University Women, Delta Kappa Gamma and Newton Area Retired Teachers. She was a life member of PTA and KNEA.

She was a 1926 graduate of Hartford High School and a 1953 graduate of Kansas State Teacher's College in Emporia where she received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She attended Kabie Tour of Kansas and Fort Hays Teachers College in Hays.

She was a teacher in rural schools in Lyon County, Hartford Public School and Newton City School, retiring in May 1973, after 46 years. She was active in and served in several positions in the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma in Harvey County. She was treasurer and communications chairwoman for 14 years. She was first vice president and then president of Phi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma in Emporia. She was chairwoman of the Profession Relations Committee for the Phi State chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.

She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, embroidering flowers, reading, and arts and crafts.

Survivors include: three sisters, Wilhelmina Merritt of Burlington, Helen Gasche and Elizabeth Latz, both of Olpe; four nieces; one nephew; three great-nieces; three great-nephews; and numerous great-great- nieces and nephews.

Rosary service will be 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newton with Father Ken Schuckman officiating. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hartford with Father Mark Mertes officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Hartford. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.

Memorials have been established with the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newton and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hartford in care of the funeral home.