Marge Decker, 104

Marjorie Alice (Loudenslager) Decker, age 104, passed away peacefully Friday, December 25, 2020 at The Birches AFC in Leonidas. Marge, the youngest of seven children, was born on July 31, 1916 to Floyd and Bertha (Snook) Loudenslager. She was a longtime resident of Colon, residing in the family home for 75 years before moving to the Birches in 2014. After graduating from Colon High School in 1934, Marge married her classmate Lyman Decker on November 15, 1938. Together, Lyman and Marge owned and operated Decker’s Dairy and Service Station, a staple in Colon for many decades. They brought four children into the world before Lyman passed in 1972.

Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Marge, knew that she was a genuine conversationalist. She spent many afternoons on her three season porch on St. Joseph Street, visiting with her friends, family, and any traveling magicians she hosted in her home and backyard during Magic Week. She loved to spend time in the kitchen, cooking, baking and listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio. On a sunny day, Marge could be found tending to her tomatoes, hanging her laundry on the line, watching a ball game from her yellow folding chair, or mowing “the marsh” behind the dairy; activities which she enjoyed well into her 90’s. She lived a long and happy life. Even in her final days, she told her loved ones that she “never had a bad day.” We should all be so lucky.

Marge was preceded in death by her siblings, her husband Lyman, and her son, Douglas Decker. She is survived by her children, Fred (Leslie) Decker, Roger (Susan) Decker, Debbra (Mark) Thornton, and daughter in law Rita Decker. She was the grandmother of eleven grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Although Marge had various interests and hobbies, there wasn’t anything she valued more than time spent with those she held dear. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, were an endless source of joy, as she relished in their accomplishments and provided encouragement throughout their many endeavors.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Birches AFC, Dr. Bruce Hyde, and the Kindred Hospice staff for the compassionate and devoted care they gave to Marge in her final years. We will be forever grateful.

A private graveside service will be held at South Colon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Birches AFC.

Arrangements by Schipper Funeral Home.