Mary Jane Decker

She was born September 24, 1932 in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Elmer and Glenna Young.

As a young girl Mary Jane played violin in the Springfield High School orchestra where she developed a fondness for classical music. Mary Jane enjoyed listening to her husband perform with the Springfield Municipal Band.

Mary Jane was a lifetime member of Douglas Avenue Methodist Church beginning with her baptism on June 11, 1933. She was a long time member of the Elizabeth Circle and she and her husband were original members of the ‘His & Hers’ Sunday School class.

Mary Jane loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also loved to knit and made many beautiful knitted items. Mary Jane and Edwin took pleasure traveling.

Mary Jane was a homemaker prior to working for Sears. She retired from Sears in 1985 after 13 years.

Mary Jane was happily married to Edwin Decker for 54 years. She is survived by her husband, Edwin, two sons, Mark Decker of Springfield, IL and Brian (Vicky)Decker of Springfield, IL; two daughters, Karen (Scott) Kirk of Pleasant Plains, IL and Kathy Decker of Bath, Maine; 4 grandchildren, Violet(Robert) Rynders of Greensboro, NC, Dylan Kirk of Carbondale, IL, Emily and Ethan Decker of Springfield, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Glenna Young, and her brother, John Young.

Visitation: 5-8pm, Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Boardman Smith Funeral Chapel.

Funeral Service: 10 am, Friday, February 18, 2011 at Douglas Avenue Methodist Church with Pastor Julia Melgreen officiating. Internment and graveside services will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association 2050 Pfingsten Rd. Ste. 127 Glenview, IL or Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church 501 S. Douglas Ave. Springfield, IL 62704. Please visit the on-line obituary at www.boardman-smith.net.