Melissa Jane Decker

Melissa was born on August 28, 1953, in Rensselaer Indiana to the late Norman and Leah Decker. As the youngest of three girls, “Lissa” was both loved and spoiled. She enjoyed growing up in Brook Indiana and spying on her older sisters, Cherie and Kimmy. When she caught them smoking, they made her smoke too, so she wouldn’t tattle on them! They even convinced her she could blow smoke rings out of her ears! She was seven! Lissa had a lifelong love of animals that her father, a veterinarian, indulged with many pets, including a fox. While living in Brook, she met her best friend Julie Long Carrol, and they were truly BFF’s.

When Melissa was twelve years old, the family moved to Brownsburg, where she graduated from high school. Melissa always said how lucky she was to make such good friends when she moved to Brownsburg. Those good friends were lifelong friends that always made time to visit her during her extended illness, and she loved them dearly.

Melissa graduated from Brownsburg High School in 1971. She attended Northeastern University in Oklahoma for two years where, coincidentally, the drinking age for women was 18, but 21 for men! She returned to Indiana and graduated from Ball State University in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in social work.

Melissa was a proud member of the United States Army Reserves. With her Army training, she liked to say she could “kick your ass”, but in reality, she never even raised her voice, let alone a fist!

Melissa had a kind heart that was made for helping others. During her career she worked for the Indiana Welfare Department, managed group homes for children and disabled adults and was a nursing home administrator for thirty years in facilities all over the state of Indiana. Wherever she worked, the residents and staff loved her for her kindness and fairness.

Melissa was known as “Aunt Lissa” to her seven nieces and nephews to whom she always signed her cards “Your Favorite” and included a one-dollar bill from her dog Molly.

Melissa’s twenty great nieces and nephews called her “Mimi”, and they adored her. She was an honorary Grandma, and they always enjoyed spending time with her. They have wonderful memories of camping in her backyard, going to the drive-in movies and staying up late eating pizza and drinking diet coke with her.

Melissa was always happy. While residing at the Lodge Assisted Living Residence, she went out of her way to tell the staff what a great job they were doing. She said I love you to everyone, and she truly meant it. She liked to say, “I love you and that is what matters”. Her family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers, staff and her friends at the Lodge. Melissa truly loved you all.

Melissa is survived by her sisters, Cherie (Tom) Teghtmeyer of Kokomo, Kim (Cecil) Calloway of Brookston, nephews; Robb (Kathi) Blume of Kokomo, Dan (Beth) Blume of Wakarusa, Joe (Christine) Teghtmeyer of Cincinnati, Nieces; Leah (Tom) Whitford of Kenosha, Sarah (Larry) Mackey of Indianapolis and Amy (Chris) Allen of Fishers. She is also survived by twenty great nieces and nephews and eleven great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Norman and Leah Decker and her nephew Patrick Calloway.

A memorial visitation for Melissa will be held Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Gothic Chapel, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter