Gladys "Dulce" Juanita Decker

Gladys Juanita “Dulce” Decker, 87 years young, went to be with our Lord and Savior Wednesday, October 8, 2008 after a short illness. “Dulce” was born to William Ansel and Pharabe Lee Smith on May 31, 1921. She married John J. “Johnnie” Decker on January 20, 1940 in Mason, Texas. She was born in Menard Country and lived there until she moved to Talpa Texas in early 1955, with her family. “Dulce” and “Johnnie” had four children, John A., Mike, Phil and Dinah, who were the light of their parents’ lives. “Dulce” moved to Ballinger in August 2007.

She was a dedicated homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. “Dulce” was a member of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church and a member of the St. Mary’s Altar Society. She also enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with her new circle of friends since moving to Ballinger. “Dulce” was a friend to everyone, as she never met a stranger. She would welcome a conversation with anyone at anytime! She was a very special “Momsie” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all their friends. “Dulce” was very well known for the unconditional love she had for her family. She could light up the room just by entering with her infectious smile. As a close friend said, “Heaven is a much brighter place today than yesterday.”

“Dulce” was preceded in death by her husband, son Johnnie, granddaughter Regina Bates, one sister Agatha Murray, and two brothers, Alfred and George Smith.

She is survived by two sons, Mike Decker and wife Patti of San Angelo, Phil Decker and wife JoAnna of Rockport and daughter, Dinah Taff and husband Howard of Ballinger, daughter-in-law Linda Decker of San Angelo, grandchildren Chad Decker and wife Debra of San Angelo, Jonna Boatright and husband Kirk of Miles, Alexis Decker of San Angelo, Jeffi Moeller of Ballinger, Bonnie Kendrix and husband Scott of San Angelo, Matthew Decker of Rockport, and Jake Taff and friend, Elisha Buckelew of Ballinger, grandson-in-law, Mark Bates of Albuquerque, NM, Kelsey and Catie Bates of Albuquerque, NM, Paige and Reid Decker of San Angelo, Saige and Sadie Boatright of Miles, Ethan Decker of San Angelo, Landon Moeller of Ballinger, and Sydney Kendrix of San Angelo. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. Friday, October 10, 2008 at the Lange Funeral Home chapel. Mass Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 11, 2008 at St. Mary’s with Fr. Hugh Wade officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in Menard, TX at 2:00 on Saturday, October 11, 2008.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Chang and his staff, the nurses on 4 North and 5 North floors and Shannon Medical Center for the wonderful care and respect shown to our most dear Mom.

I’d like the memory of me
To be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles
when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering
softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve
to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.