Betty D. Decker

Betty D. Decker, age 94, of Upper Arlington, died Friday, February 13, 2026, at her home as she always desired. She was born on April 10, 1931, in Key Ridge of Richland Township, Ohio, beloved wife of 60 years of the late Dr. Robert F. Decker and daughter of the late William and Maude (Walters) Duvall. Betty was deeply devoted to her entire family and especially to her children Jeff (Jennifer) Decker, Orlando, Florida; Lisa (Brian) MacClugage, Ft. Lauderdale; her grandchildren, Jessica (Sam) Bower, Christopher MacClugage, Jonathan MacClugage, and Christina MacClugage. She will be deeply missed by her family, including Lois Duvall and Jackie Duvall, her sisters-in-law, William Ney, her brother-in-law, her adored nieces, nephews, cousins, close and dear friends, and many whom she cared for over her lifetime.

Betty was a 1949 graduate of Bellaire High School, ranking second in her class and receiving the Bellaire High School Alumni Achievement Award in 2010. She was educated and trained as a Registered Nurse at the Ohio Valley General Hospital and as a Nurse Anesthetist at Ohio State University before entering the graduate program in anesthesia at Case Western Reserve University Hospital.

Upon completion of her graduate work, Betty relocated to Houston, Texas to begin her career at Jeff Davis Hospital and then newly established M.D. Anderson Hospital where she was hand-selected by the late Dr. Michael DeBakey, a pioneer of modern open heart surgery, to serve on his heart team as his nurse anesthetist.

Betty’s medical career transferred her back to Case Western Reserve University Hospital working with Dr. Claude Beck, the distinguished cardiovascular surgeon who was the first to perform open heart surgery to repair heart valves.

Betty’s compassionate heart was always called to help anyone and everyone in all types of need, great or small. She was also dedicated and committed to working with countless charities serving in many leadership roles, including Easter Seals, Project Hope (SS Hope), and organizations caring for the hungry, homeless, and the needs of disadvantaged children, adults, and the elderly. She lived each and every day of her life caring for and serving others. She will be remembered as the strong, loving angel who watched over her family and others who became like family.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, March 1, 2026, at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio, with Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan and Rev. James Long officiating. If desired, contributions in Betty Decker’s memory may be made to The Nationwide Children’s Hospital, c/o Children’s Hospital Foundation, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory with Betty Decker’s family.