Carmelita Decker

DECKER, Carmelita Maxine (McMillan) Decker, 92, of Newton, entered eternal rest November 20, 2024.  She was born August 10, 1932, in Caney, Kansas to Clara Alice (Barnett), and Angus McMillan, she was their only child. Carmelita was raised with love and perseverance during The Great Depression on a small farm outside Elgin, Kansas where she attended an All-Grade Country School. In 1945, her family moved to Pawhuska, Oklahoma to work at a WWII tent manufacturing facility. In 1946, the McMillan's moved to Newton, Kansas where she entered her freshman year at Newton High School where she would go on to graduate with the Class of 1950. On October 10, 1954, she married Harley Dearth Decker. The new Decker family had one daughter, Teresa and three sons, James, Ronald and Tracy.

 Besides her dedication to her family and a reputation as a wonderful mother in raising her children, Carmelita worked as the Office Manager at Newton’s JC Penney store for 25 years before retiring. She made a lasting impact in Newton as an active member of the faith community, teaching bible school at First Baptist Church and later as a member of Salem United Methodist Church. Always willing to serve others, Carmelita was President of the Parent Teacher Association at McKinley Elementary School and at Chisholm Junior High over multiple terms. Carmelita was also President of Newton’s Business Professional Women (BPW) and received the honor of being named Woman of the Year. In addition, she held various leadership positions as a lifelong member of the Newton Order of the Eastern Star. Carmelita was a trailblazer, entering the labor market at a time when few women were employed outside the home. She is remembered as a strong advocate for developing and mentoring young women in the workforce.

 In her domestic life, Carmelita followed her mother Clara as a gifted cook and hostess who often served up to seven generations of family members around the dining table and through family events. She was the matriarch of the Decker family and put tremendous care in aiding any family member in need with limitless love and devotion. Carmelita was blessed throughout her years with seven grandchildren: Shane Saylor, Christopher Decker, David Decker, Melissa Roseberry, Esteven Decker, Tania Jensen, and Justin Decker. In addition, Carmelita was blessed with twenty-three Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in heaven by her beloved husband Harley Dearth Decker, son James Dearth Decker; sons-in-law Cory Saylor, Jon Dale Soyez, daughter-in-Law Wilma Jean Decker, grandson Travis Smith and granddaughter-in-law Alycia Decker.

 Carmelita will be remembered by her family as a true gift from The Lord. A kindhearted woman of faith, grace and grit. She was a champion of those she loved and a friend to all. We thank you Lord for blessing us with Carmelita and know she will continue to serve you in heaven as she did so many here on Earth. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday, November 25, 2024 at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Funeral services will be conducted at 2024, Salem United Methodist Church in Newton, 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, with the Rev. Kibum Kim officiating. Carmelita will be laid to eternal rest alongside members of her family at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main Street, Newton KS 67114 or Kansas BPW Educational Foundation, PO Box 122, Ashland, KS 67831. Or Good Shepherd Hospice, 301 N. Main Ste. 300, Newton KS 67114.

Memorials may also be left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home.