Diana spent her childhood in Easton CA on a dairy farm with her parents and five brothers. She attended Washington Union High School and served as the school’s editor of their newspaper. Diana met Mike Decker who became her husband of 53 years in 1963. They eloped and got married on July 4, 1964. Diana and Mike were the parents to Tim, Katie and Scott.
Diana was an active member of the early childhood education community for more than 30 years. Her paid positions and volunteer work seemed to overlap; ECE was her passion. For the Central California Association of Young Children (CCAEYC) she was a constant contributor, supporter, and hard worker. Her many committee positions included; Chapter President, Community Outreach, Governing Board, Scholarship and History. Diana received the very first Fansler Institute ECE Leader of The Year award for her contributions to the community.
At the state level for California Association for the Education of Young Children, she served a term as Central California representative on the state board, and she was Co-Conference Chair.
Another major volunteer project of hers was being a Board Member of “PlayZeum of Central California at Storyland.” Diane provided workshops and /or presentations for teachers and families regarding the value of playful learning. She was also part of the adult guidance team in the hands-on playful learning experiences working with children.
Diana served as a Fresno County Child Care and Development Local Planning Council Member. Diana was highly instrumental in the development of the Fresno County Child Care and Development Rating Scale.
Diana’s teaching experience was as a special education teacher for Central Unified. She taught a fully included Pre-Kindergarten class. She was awarded the prestigious Educator of the Year Fresno County for her outstanding teaching.
She moved on to working with adults as a Special Education Special Lead for the Merced County Office of Education, CPIN. She did workshops on the California Preschool Foundations and Frameworks and provided Technical Assistance within assigned classrooms. Diana was also a member of the Early Stars Steering Committee and a member of The Children’s Movement of Fresno County with a special interest in the Talk, Read, Sing program.
Diana had a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development, a Multiple Subject and Special Education and Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential, Graduate degree in Early Childhood Education and was a Certified Brain Based Instructor. She taught part time at Fresno City College for over 30 years. She was the lead developer in many of the courses with an emphasis on Literacy, Special needs and brain development.
She saw education as a journey not a destination.
Diana is also survived by her three children. Timothy John Decker of Pagosa Springs Co., Katie Marie Decker of Fresno Ca, Scott Arthur Decker of Fresno Ca and daughter in law Marie Estrada Decker of Fresno Ca. Her three grandchildren, Michael Anthony Hill, Jadyn Decker Garrett and Nicho Decker. She had one great granddaughter Neelia Grace Hill. Diana is also survived by three loving brothers Gene Roza and his wife, Marylou Roza of Lakeside Arizona, Robert Roza and his wife, Gail Roza of Oakdale California, and Franklin Roza of Atascadero California along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Nils Mike Decker, her mother, Georgina Roza and her two brothers Leslie Roza and Manuel Roza.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home, 836 E Nees Ave Fresno CA 93720. A Catholic Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10:00 am at St Paul Catholic Newman Center, 1572 E. Barstow Ave Fresno CA 93710.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Decker family.
