Linda Fae Decker, age 65, died November 9, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her death resulted from pancreatic cancer. She was born March 4, 1957, in Provo, Utah to Don Lee Decker and Jo Ann Dunman Decker. She never married. Linda entered this world with the birth defect spina bifida and therefore her feet never took a step. Despite her inability to walk she made many strides in her earthly sojourn, serving as an example and inspiration to all.
She graduated from Highland High School in 1977, where she received a standing ovation at the graduation ceremony as a prominent community member pushed her across the stage in her wheelchair. She participated in Miss Wheelchair contests, attended LDS Business College, worked briefly for Blue Cross Blue Shield, and then spent 35 years as an office administrator for the Veteran’s Administration (VA) in Salt Lake City.
Towards the end of her VA career, she met and enjoyed the association of co-worker Brittany Pacini, continuing that friendship beyond employment, and finding fulfillment not only with her but also the entire Pacini family.
In addition, Linda enjoyed friendly chats over Arby’s roast beef sandwiches with Caramia Smullen, and Sunday phone calls with her cousin, Kerry Rose, who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. In later life, her cousin Joyce Decker spent valuable time at the house to help her with life skills, including meal preparation, and ward member Martha Hull, and ministering ward member Monica Ruegner, provided caring service. Friends, neighbors, relatives, and professionals diligently attended to Linda’s needs, offering not only help but also companionship. Linda found joy in watching retro TV shows, such as Bewitched, and earlier in her life developed talents in embroidering.
Linda loved our Savior Jesus Christ and valued her membership in and testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as Primary president in the old LeGrand Ward and spent many years teaching Primary classes.
Linda is survived by her brother, Larry Decker, of Taylorsville, Utah. Also, she is survived by cousins from the Decker, Young, and Rose families. She was preceded in death by her father, Don Lee Decker, and mother, Jo Ann Decker.
Funeral services for Linda will be held Friday November 18 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Ward building, located at 1078 McClelland Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. A public viewing will be held Thursday November 17 at the same building from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on the day of the funeral from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment in the Memorial Lake Hills Cemetery, 10055 South State Street in Sandy, Utah. You may watch the recording of the funeral services with the Zoom link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89254049999
Linda persevered in life. She held high aspirations. Often, she felt frustrated, but through it all she completed her time on earth and now walks with the confidence and stride that she had hoped to attain with her body in this earthly realm.
My deepest condolences. Linda is a sweet and courageous spirit. I could always count on Linda to inspire, along with all the Decker family.