Vera Louise Decker

Vera Decker March 18, 1938 - December 4, 2018 Its hard to sum up or give an overview of a persons life. Especially someone who was so loved and gave so much to others lives. A persons life is more than dates and time frames. The spirit, memories, smiles and love that a person adds to this world, will last many lifetimes and have an impact forever. Anyone who knew Mom would describe her as "One of a Kind" or "Quite a Lady". Vera Louise Jorgensen was born on March 18, 1938 and passed away on December 4, 2018. She was born in Corvallis, Oregon, and raised on a farm near Bellfountain, outside Philomath. She told many stories of growing up near the "Band Box" school, and adventures on the farm. From getting in trouble for climbing trees while playing tag at school, riding horses, working on the farm, and many other adventures, she spoke well of her childhood. She often told how she would hide behind the trees on the farm, and scare her older sister, Shirley. She told about getting sent to her room for a punishment, where she would climb out the window, and do stuff outside until it was almost time for punishment to be over. She would climb back into the house and appear to have learned her lesson until the next time she was sent to her room. A theme of her childhood was mischievous fun, adventure, and a healthy dose of individualism. Vera went to Oregon State College in Corvallis for a year, and made great friends with her roommates, whom she was friends with from then until now. Vera married Everett Decker on August 16, 1958. They moved to Gerlach, Nevada around January. 1961, and started a "Desert Land Entry". They started an Alfalfa farm in the arid part of the Nevada Desert, near the Black Rock Desert. They lived there until January 1968. This area fit her sense of adventure and independence. They made many life long friends in the area and she enjoyed going back and visiting people in the area. The family grew to four children. Lorri Benefield, Donna McCormack, Susie Decker and Clint Decker are the lucky children of this union. When they left the Nevada desert, Vera and Everett moved to different areas of Oregon, pursuing career choices and opportunities. From Salem to Klamath Falls, Diamond, Philomath, Redmond, Brothers, Culver and finally settling back in Redmond. After divorcing Everett, they remained friends and amazing parents to their children. Vera never met a stranger and enjoyed meeting people. Most people didnt know or possibly hear her name. She was introduced and called by many people, "Mom". Most of her kids friends called her Mom and she enjoyed that responsibility. After settling in Redmond, Vera started on different adventures and career paths. Vera worked for the US Forest Service on the Sisters Ranger District and enjoyed meeting people and making their stay on the forest as pleasant as possible. She met many people and made some great friends along the way. Vera started "Pine Tree Recreation" as one of her adventures. This included establishing the mushroom picking campground near Crescent Lake and beginning a concessionaire business with Haystack Campground. Later, Vera helped start Decker Landscaping Company with her son Clint. Vera received several awards over her life for her help with FFA, the National Registry of Whos Who, and other achievements. She always had a cheery attitude, sense of adventure, and enjoyed life and what it had to offer. Vera loved to travel and see what was around the corner. She traveled to Africa, Australia, the Bahamas and extensively throughout the United States. She traveled with her kids, friends and alone. She was always willing to go see what was around the corner and to enjoy what lay ahead. She had a sense of adventure and independence that lives on in her children today. From a lady who said that she grew up at a time when women had limited career opportunities to what her daughters have accomplished today was one of her greatest points of pride. Her children have pursued careers and accomplishments through their lives. From one of the first women in firefighting, a City Manager and successful business owners; all her children have been active and accomplished in their lives. This is a tribute to the spirit she had and the support both parents gave to their children. Vera had what many would call "Pioneer Spirit" and the attitude that went with it. With a smile on her face and adventure in her heart, she was ready for what lie ahead. Vera was quick to laugh, with a laugh that was consuming and contagious. She would face adversity, tell her kids to do their best and continue to work toward what they wanted. She had several hobbies and loved spending time with her family and friends. She was incredible at toll painting, leather craft, photography and other talents too numerous to count. Her greatest talent was to smile, enjoy life and continue on with a positive attitude. Anyone who met her remembered her, liked her and truly cared for her as a person. Everyone enjoyed spending time with her. She was truly the embodiment and persona of "Mom" and will be missed. A "Celebration of Life" will be held on January 5, 2019 at the Terrebonne Grange in Terrebonne, OR from 1 pm to 4 pm. If you would like to bring a dessert that reminds you of Vera, please do. This will be an opportunity for friends and family to remember a great lady. Contributions may be made to the Charity of your choice. Funeral Home: Redmond Memorial Chapel 717 SW 6th Street Redmond, OR US 97756