Sadie Decker of Peabody, Kansas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and friend to many passed away peacefully on July 31, 2021.
Sadie was born July 17, 1917 on her family’s farm six miles south of Galva, Kansas. She was the third youngest of eight children born to Isaac and Carrie Jantz. Sadie grew up on the family farm and attended school completing her sophomore year of High School. In her late teens she performed housekeeping for several families in the McPherson area. She met and started dating her future husband, La Verne Decker of Moundridge, at her 21st birthday party organized by her younger sister, Elda. They were married on May 24, 1939 at the Emmanuel Mennonite church with a reception at the Jantz family farm. The newlywed couple moved immediately to their farm outside Peabody, Kansas where the first order of business was to get the spring crops planted. They established their farm in Peabody and became firmly established in the community during the 1940’s. One of the major events during this time was getting electricity to the farm in February 1941; she always said that was a special day. During World War II, Sadie was active in the USO in Newton Kansas, providing meals for soldiers traveling across the country by rail.
Sadie was a homemaker, raising two boys, while helping with many farming chores that needed to be done. She was an exceptional seamstress, making her own clothes; Afghans and quilts for her two sons and their families. Another area where Sadie excelled was her cooking; she spoiled her family with excellent meals using fresh farm produce. Her cinnamon rolls, fresh pies and cakes were always a hit with the family. Sadie kept active in many social and educational groups; Belleview study group, Kansas State University Home Extension Units, Stitch and Chatter club, and Sorosis club.
Sadie and La Verne stopped farming in 1986, and were able to travel; trips to Alaska and Hawaii were her favorites. Her husband La Verne passed away in November 1999; Sadie continued to live on the farm until December 2000, when she moved into Peabody. She lived in Peabody for another 19 years, keeping active in the Methodist Church, Senior Center and managing the family farm. She moved to El Dorado in November 2019 where she remained until her passing. A life well lived, her legacy will be carried warmly in our hearts
Sadie was preceded in death by her husband La Verne and her eight siblings. She is survived by her son Rodger and wife Sharon of El Dorado, Kansas; Darrel and wife Helen of Westminster, Colorado; grandchildren Danielle, Carissa (Chris), Alan(Jonette), Karla(Craig) Laura (Adrian); great grandchildren Cole, Jacob, Kaelyn, Brody, Dylan, Rylan, Lyanna, Samantha, Austin and Avery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Peabody United Methodist Church on August 21, 2021. Visitation at 9 am with Service at 10:30am, both at the Peabody United Methodist Church, 403 N. Sycamore, Peabody, Kansas. Graveside Service following at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Prairie Lawn Rd, Peabody. Lunch immediately following graveside service at the Peabody United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sadie’s name to: Peabody Senior Center, 106 N. Walnut, Peabody, Kansas, 66866
Baker Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.