Ray Lee Decker

Ray Lee Decker left his family here on Earth to join his family in Heaven, on Sunday November 27, 2016. Ray was born to Mary and Earl Decker on September 20, 1925 in Huron, South Dakota. He was much welcomed by a household that had two girls who were a little older. His father farmed and worked for other large farms. Rays mother was not well and passed away when he was ten. Ray’s father moved away, so he lived with and moved to California with his oldest sister Minniebelle and her husband Bill.

He went to high school and graduated from Strathmore High. He broke an eardrum in a high school basketball game during his senior year and was turned down by the services for the War. He moved back to South Dakota with his sister and family after graduating and tried many jobs in a low economy. He went to North Dakota, driving a gravel truck and finally to Miles City, Montana as a switch man on the Milwaukee Railroad. It was a good and responsible job for a 19 year old. He lived with his uncle and family there and met his future wife, Arley Lynde. They met on Thanksgiving Eve of 1944 and were married on Feb. 4th of 1945. Just a couple of kids that didn’t know much about life, but, whose love for each other lasted just short of 72 years. Ray was a very charismatic and out going fellow and selling was a goal in life. He and his wife Arley founded Everett Builders Inc. in 1958. It’s still in operation today by their daughter Pat and her husband Dan Mann. After selling the business to Dan and Pat, they were able to travel to many parts of the world. Ray was a good golfer and they enjoyed playing golf wherever they went. They went to Yuma, AZ in the winter for 30 years and met wonderful people from the States and Canada. Ray leaves behind his wife Arley and seven children, Michael (Diane), Pat Mann (Dan), Mindy Decker, Peggy Wold (Arven), Mark (Connie), Mitchell (Kelly), Megan Moss (Russ), and older sister Earlene Hayden. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He dearly loved all of them and the feeling was mutual. He spent his later years feeding the birds and squirrels, cleaning flowerbeds, and building birdhouses, all things he loved. He also loved painting landscapes and built a complete miniature town with the name “Deckerville,” in part of his shop. His love and wit will be terribly missed by all family and friends. Services will be held on Tuesday Dec. 6, 2016 at 2:00 pm, at Wellers Funeral Home in Arlington. Graveside and reception to follow.