Lorraine H. Decker


			  Lorraine H. Decker
			    (1919 - 2007)


Lorraine Hettie (Ballard) Decker passed away May 29, 2007, at the age
of 88. She was a long-time resident of Spokane, WA but moved to
Everett, WA in 2002. She was born March 1, 1919, in International
Falls, Minnesota to John Hamilton Ballard and Abbie (Messerschmidt)
Ballard. She graduated from The Falls High School in 1937 and received
a Nursing diploma from Sacred Heart Hospital, Havre, Montana. She
served as a Lieutenant with the 128th Army General Hospital in
southern England as well as stateside during WWII. After the war she
took some post-graduate courses in Nursing Administration at Seattle
University and then Gonzaga U. in Spokane. In 1947 she was married to
George Phillips of Libby, MT, who died in 1950.

In 1952 she married Ralph Decker Jr. They met while she was working at
the VA hospital in Spokane where he was a patient. He was a WWII and
Korean War veteran and retired from the Army as a Captain. They were
married 34 years until his death in 1986.

Lorraine is survived by her three children, Carol Strick (Howard), of
Yelm, WA, Diane Decker-Ihle (Loren Ihle), of Snohomish, WA and Rock
Gunner Decker, of Spokane, WA; plus step-daughter, Sharon Decker
Harlson, of Ridgeland, WI; six grandchildren, Chrissie Strick Gossett
(Eric), Andrew, Peter and Abbie Strick, Martin and Greg Ihle; and two
great-grandchildren, Victoria and Benjamin Gossett.

Lorraine worked many years as a Registered nurse at both Deaconess and
Sacred Heart Hospitals in Spokane. She enjoyed gardening, needlework,
crocheting, knitting, ceramics, and bowling. She did volunteer work
with the Spokane Senior Center and Police Department.

The family would like to thank Dr. Batson, Dr. Gunderson and their
nurses and staff at The Everett Clinic. We'd also like to thank
Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County for all of their
care and assistance.

A private family service will be in Spokane by Hazen and Jaeger Funeral home.


Published in The Herald (Everett) from 6/7/2007 - 6/9/2007.