Harriet Decker

Harriet Ann Decker, 87, of Bridgman, passed away peacefully Friday, June 24, 2016, at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman, with members of her family by her side.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Woodland Shores Baptist Church, 3555 Shawnee Road, in Bridgman, with Reverend Richard Marshall officiating. Friends may meet with the family from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Good News Camp, 3613 N. M-30, Gladwin, MI 48624.

Harriet was born Feb. 7, 1929, in Sandusky, Mich., daughter of the late Joseph and Elsie (Dafoe) Lathrop. On Aug. 10, 1948, Harriet married Winston Decker and they shared 67 years together. She was a member of Woodland Shores Baptist Church. Together Win and Harriet served as Pastor and wife in six different churches throughout the state of Michigan. Harriet personified the title of helpmate as she graciously stayed by Win's side as he shepherded countless members of their congregations. She also embodied the role of a perfect "accompanist" whether on the piano, organ or accordion. She exercised her gift of hospitality by opening their home regularly to visiting missionaries, speakers, musicians and most of all family, and taught by example how to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Her hobbies and loves included gardening, particularly roses, quilting, canning, baking, sewing, playing the organ and piano and being a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. Harriet led many women's Bible classes and mentored women, wives and mothers. She is a cancer survivor and even in the midst of her battle encouraged others by her faith in God's care.

Harriet is survived by her husband: Rev. Winston Decker ; children: Lee (Darlene) Decker of Grand Rapids, Rebecca (Rick) Marshall of Newtown Square, Pa., Larry (Debbie) Decker of Gladwin, Mich., Allyn (Vicky) Decker of Warsaw, Ind., Joy (William) Bancroft of Stevensville; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and sister, Carolyn (Jim) Fromer of Gladwin, Mich., and many nieces and nephews.

Harriet was also preceded in death by her grandson, Boyd Decker and her brother, Joseph Lathrop.

Gathering of Family and Friends

5-8 PM ,Friday, August 19, 2016
Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel
9191 Red Arrow Hwy Bridgman, MI 49106

Memorial Service

10 AM ,Saturday, August 20, 2016
Woodland Shores Baptist Church
3555 W. Shawnee Road Bridgman, MI 49106