Ruth Decker

Ruth Decker passed away only weeks before her 100th birthday in Clemson, SC, on April 29, 2025. She was born on July 4, 1925, in Chicago, IL, the youngest of 14 children of George and Jeanette Bergman VanderSchoot. In 1946 Ruth married Louis Decker, also the youngest of 14 children. They had 6 children and left Chicago to own and operate a trash removal business in Delavan, WI. Several years later the family purchased a trash removal business in Florida and relocated to Orlando. Ruth and Louis remained in Florida through their retirement, finally living in Punta Gorda.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Louis and sons Allan and Gary. Allan was a proud U.S. Marine who gave his life in 1968 in Vietnam in service to his country. Ruth is survived by her son Robert (Ann) and their daughters Sarah (Sean Davenport) and Annaliese (Alex Kerman); son Dennis (Candy) and their children Shaun Smith, Crystal (Mike Trahan) and Tony (Maribel) Martin; daughter Janice (Dave Lanting) and their daughter Catherine (Brian Torresen); daughter Gail Ring; and daughter-in-law Agnes (Gary) and their children Joseph (Misty) Ferro, Regina (Whitney Bobbitt), Patty (Russell Hobby), Allan (Melissa) Decker, and Renae Decker; 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Her entire life Ruth was a strong Christian, devoted to her Lord and her church and her family. She was a longtime member of Trinity Reformed Church in Cape Coral. Ruth was proud to live up to the meaning of her name, friend. She was indeed a friend to all she encountered.

Funeral services will be held in Orlando on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Gotha (Orlando) with Pastor Ray Lloyd officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.