Ruth T. Decker

11/04/2007

Ruth T. Decker, 93, of Boardman Street, a former longtime resident of Water Farm Road, died Saturday at Fairview Hospital. Born in Norfolk, Conn., on Jan. 27, 1914, daughter of Delbert H. and Reena Decker Thompson, she attended schools in New Marlborough. Mrs. Decker was employed by Bicrons and before that by the former Bitterman Electric, both in Canaan, N.Y. She also was a private-duty caregiver for families in Canaan Valley and took care of an elderly woman in Winsted, Conn., for several years. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting and working in her garden. She and her husband, the late John Decker, were married in 1950 in Norfolk, Conn. She leaves two sons, Joseph Wilkinson of Sheffield and Roy "Bud" Wilkinson of Southfield; 19 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. Another son, Dickie Wilkinson, died in 1934; a stepson, William Wilkinson Jr., died in 1987; and her former husband, William Wilkinson Sr., also is deceased. FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral for Ruth T. Decker, who died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2007, will be conducted Wednesday at 11 a.m. at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME by the Rev. Jill Graham, pastor of Old Parish Church in Sheffield. Burial will follow in the family plot in Canaan Valley Cemetery in Canaan, Conn. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to either Old Parish Church or to Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad, in care of the funeral home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. She loved animals and was devoted to her cat, Princess, and loved spending time at her home, which was called "The Cabin." From 1988 to 2003, Ruth spent her winters in Venice, Fla. She also leaves two daughters-in-law, Darleen (Joseph) and Carolyn (Roy) Wilkinson; a nephew; and two nieces. A brother, Roy Thompson, and a sister, Dorothy Pike, are deceased. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.

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