Lois M. Decker

Lois Mae Decker, 89, died Monday afternoon, April 13, 2015, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be left to Lois’ family.

Lois M. Decker, was born March 13, 1926, in Ida Grove, to parents Lowell and Hattie (Steensen) Johnson. When the family moved to Kellogg, Lois attended church and graduated from the Kellogg High School. Lois met the love of her life, Noel Decker and they were married in Newton, Dec. 4, 1948. Lois lived in Newton and Lambs Grove until her death. Lois worked for the Maytag Company until starting a family and later worked seasonally at the Maytag Dairy Farm for several years. She was a past member of Newton First Assembly of God Church. After Noel retired from Maytag they enjoyed traveling on long and short trips, enjoying nature and to collect antiques. Lois enjoyed making her home a special place by gardening, decorating and displaying her many collectibles. She devoted herself to caring for Noel through health challenges prior to his death in 2008. Lois will be remembered for hosting wonderful holiday meals for her family, her quick wit, humor and for passing along lessons from a long life.

Lois is survived by her children, Jan (Tom) Verdoorn from Minneapolis, Minn., and Ron (Allison) Decker of Winsted, Conn. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Mike, Matt and Jake Verdoom and Paige Decker; her five great-grandchildren, Sophia, Jackson, Calla, Annika and Sam; her sister-in-law Betty Jess of Des Moines; and many friends. Lois was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Noel.

A graveside service for Lois will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25 at Newton Union Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Don Hayes, Newton First Assembly of God Church. A time of fellowship and lunch with the family at the Pence Tribute Center, will follow the graveside service.

Online condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com.