Dorothy Jane Decker

Dorothy Jane Decker – Sept. 22, 1932 to Dec. 30, 2024 

Dorothy (Dot) Jane Decker (nee Doehman), 92 years of age, passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, Dec. 30,2024. She was the loving wife of the late Raymond H. Decker (1989) and loving mother of Stephen Decker, Donna Arlinghaus, Christine Miller, Judy Crist (Gregory), Patricia Watters, Raymond Decker Jr., and Roberta Wehrley (Jason). Loving grandmother of more than 25 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. 

Dot was born on Sept. 22, 1932, to Caroline (Lena, nee Stricker) and George Doehman, German immigrants who arrived in the United States in the 1920s. She grew up in Covington with her sister Mary Lee in a Catholic household, attending St. Aloysius grade school and Notre Dame Academy High School. The Doehmans were close to additional family members who also emigrated from Germany and kept in touch with aunts, uncles, and cousins in Europe with Dot making many trips back to visit, especially in her later years. 

She met Ray Decker in her late teen years, they dated for a period of time and married on May 2, 1953. The children began to arrive in 1954 and over the course of her lifetime, Dot provided a loving home for her seven children and husband as a most excellent mother and devoted wife, setting an example of patience and support. As her children reached maturity, Dot went back to college and earned a degree in human services leading to her service as an employee at New Perceptions and as a volunteer at Catholic Charities, St. Augustine Resource Center in City Heights, Notre Dame Urban Education Center, and other Diocese of Covington agencies. 

Dot loved traveling and visited extensively throughout the United States and Europe, many times bringing her children and/or grandchildren with her. Family and faith were always important to her, and she was surrounded by several generations as she left this life for her heavenly reward.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are suggested in her honor to: New Perceptions and St. Augustine Parish, Covington, Kentucky.