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© Stillwater News Press Stillwater, Oklahoma Reprinted with permission December 2, 2009 Mary E. "Betty" [Burris] Decker January 4, 1937 ~ November 20, 2009 Betty Burris [Mary Elizabeth Decker] was born and raised in Oklahoma but spent the majority of her adult life in the upper midwest. She maintained a strong bond to her home state, and when she and her husband retired, they purchased a home in Perkins as a winter and spring retreat to enjoy the beauty of Oklahoma, sometimes also in summer and fall. Betty was born in St. Louis, Okla. but grew up in Stillwater. During her youth she became an accomplished pianist, and as a student at Stillwater High School she competed in state piano contests, accompanied the high school chorus under Glenn Epperley and played for Sunday services at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Because of her strong desire to make a contribution to others, she focused her collegiate studies in science and graduated from OSU with a degree in bacteriology, then completed medical technology training at OU. In 1960 she married Dr. Richard Decker, and they lived in Rochester, Minn. before moving to Deerfield, Ill. in 1973. After her children were grown, Betty returned to college at University of Wisconsin to earn her certificate in medical cytology. She was employed by Glaxo Smith-Kline as a cytologist until her retirement in 1996. Betty will most be remembered for her love and care for others; she was a devoted wife, mother and friend of many. Family and friends alike said she made everyone she knew a better person. Even in the months of her final illness, she used her camera and computer to keep up with her friends across the country. Betty died Nov. 20 at Lake Forest Hospital near her home after a long and courageous battle with melanoma. Betty is survived by her husband, Richard, three children, Stephen [Gayle] of Vernon Hills, Ill., Stephanie Decker of Portland, Ore. and Richard John [Susan] of Flower Mound, Texas. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Christopher and Katie Decker of Flower Mound, Texas and by numerous cousins. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Stillwater, Okla. Interment will be at Elm Grove Cemetery, Perkins, Okla. |
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