A. Helen Decker, 83, of Cooperstown went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 15, 2021 with her granddaughter, Alicia Chase at her side.
She was born Oct. 13, 1937 in Owego, the daughter of the late Ernest and Anna Belle (Nichols) Miner.
Helen grew up in Walton. She graduated from Walton Central School with the Class of 1955. Following graduation she went to Morrisville College and became a LPN. For many years, Helen worked at The Meadows until she moved to New Jersey. While in New Jersey she worked in Somerset Hospital in Somerville, N.J. After moving back to the area she again worked at The Meadows, The Thanksgiving Home, Upstate Home and then finished her nursing career as a private duty nurse.
On July 4, 1958, Helen married Lavester Roy “Zuke” Decker in the Christ Church, Cooperstown. Zuke predeceased her on Jan. 13, 2011.
Helen enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Brenda Hotaling (Michael Pine), Surgoinesville, Tenn., David Decker (Pam Marino), Oneonta, Vicki (Tony) Talbot, Walton and Holly Sawyer, Cooperstown; nine grandchildren: Alicia (Peter) Chase, Heidi Hotaling, Pamela (Bryan) Smith, Sherri Hotaling, Todd Talbot, John Talbot (Abby Hnydowicz), Tonya Sawyer (Alan Kinney), Joshua Brigham and Christopher Brigham; 10 great-grandchildren: Dakota, Shayne, Brent, Kaleb, Keyan and Izabella Chase, Paiden Hotaling Varney, Weston and Kyah Talbot and Harley Fagan; a brother, Allen Miner, Austin, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Paul Miner and great-granddaughter, McKinley Love.
Calling hours were Friday, July 23 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta followed by a memorial service. Burial followed in the Walton Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to Super Heroes in Ripped Jeans, 697 Winney Hill Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.
To send the family an online condolence visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
