Dorothy Lavonne Decker - Peru

Dorothy fought her battle with cancer the same way she lived her life, with great faith, love and strength of character. She passed from this life in the early morning hours on January 6, 2015 and as her husband said, " If anyone deserves to go to heaven it is her." and we are all sure the doors were wide open to welcome her. Services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, January 10, at the Peru United Methodist Church with Pastor Sandy Smith officiating. Visitation will be Friday from noon to 8 PM at McCalley-Collins Funeral Home with her family receiving friends from 5 to 7 PM. Burial will be in the Peru Cemetery. Dorothy Lavonne (Vannatta) Decker was born February 21,1931 to Ray and Helen Vannatta. A life-long resident of Madison County she was tireless in her love for family, friends and community. Dorothy married Dean Decker on June 27, 1948 and three children were born in quick succession to the union, twin boys Donnie (Judy) Decker, Ronnie (Nellene) Decker and 1 year and 20 days later a daughter Donna (Marty) Davis. The family grew to include 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Dorothy was a long time and very active member of the Peru Methodist Church always helping with preparing food for dinners, and acting in mother daughter tea, skits. She volunteered for many years with the Winterset Library and was a voracious reader. She also volunteered her time and skills to the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and Madison County Historical Museum. She was adventurous, strong willed and kind to everyone she met and will be remembered for her amazing pies many of which were made from fruit gathered from the farm. She was always trying a new recipe and accumulated quite a collection of cookbooks from far and wide, which helped during the 40 years she cooked for the Coon Hunters Association. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren always waited in excitement for her "famous" macaroni and cheese to show up at every family gathering. Her loss will be felt by many because she touched so many in her visits, letters, and kind words and actions. We are all grateful for knowing her quiet strength, lessons taught, laughter, wisdom and above love of a wonderful woman. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, her three children, and sister Mary Lou Andrews. She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, James Werts. In God's time we will see you again. We love you, always. Memorials may be given to the Peru United Methodist Church. Service: 10:30 AM Saturday January 10, 2015 Peru United Methodist Church Peru, Iowa Visitation: Noon to 8 PM with Family receiving friends from 5 to 7 PM at McCalley-Collins Funeral Home McCalley - Collins Funeral Home Winterset