Our Wife, Mother and Grandmother, Helen Marie Schmidt Decker was born to Malvin and Suzanna Koehn Schmidt on January 16, 1945 in Turlock, California. She passed away at Scott Co. Hospital on March 25, 2026 after a short illness. Mama loved angels, now she is with them.

Mom recounted many good memories of childhood on the banks of the Merced River in the San Joaquin Valley of California. She attended Merquin School in Stevenson, CA as well as Junior High School in Hillmar, CA. Her father was a dairyman and farmer, so she learned the value of work, structure and orderliness that was evident throughout her life.

Helen committed her life to God and began a personal relationship with Jesus in 1958. She was baptized together with her sister Vera on March 19, 1958 into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite by Min. Jesse Koehn at Livingston, CA. Her Christian life was very important to her, and she remained faithful to the end. As she grew older her faith in God and His saving grace brought a deep settled feeling that she was God’s child.

Helen noticed a young man leaning against the wall in the Livingston church that caught her attention. In due time Larry Decker of Scott City, KS proposed marriage and she accepted. They were married on April 25, 1965 at Livingston, CA by Min. Frank Unruh. They shared the joys and sorrows of life for almost 61 years. Mom followed Dad to Scott County, KS and this was home for the remainder of her life.

Although she supported dad in his material endeavors, she was first and foremost a homemaker, her home was her mansion, her happy place. Mom was a very orderly and structured person, she appreciated a well-kept home and having things in order. She was a lady; she liked to be dressed nice but not extravagant. Mom was an excellent cook, making many delicious meals for her family and guests. She had a gift of cooking from “scratch” and making very tasty creations. She enjoyed reading and cross stitch, especially as she grew older many hours were spent with these past times. Mom had a very caring heart and sent many heartfelt cards to those experiencing hard times.

Mom’s family was her most treasured possession, we were always met at the door with a big smile and hugs. Mom’s love language was “quality time”. She loved to have a personal conversation and share hearts. Our family is blessed with several different races, she accepted all with no bias. We remember mom as the one that was always ready with a listening ear to our troubles and heartaches, many times offering practical advice to the complexities of life. She was always so grateful for our visits or telephone calls. Mom and dad opened their home to several young people over the years as a safe place for them to stay while working through difficult times in their lives. Lifelong bonds were created as she tried in her own way to help.

Her survivors include her husband Larry, her children Darwin and Darlene, Scott City, KS; Marsha and Rodney Wedel, Tonasket, WA; Darla and Darrel Unruh, Hartley, TX ; Doyle and Teresa, Versailles, MO; twelve grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Vera Koehn, Livingston, CA; Myrna Giesbrecht, Montezuma, KS; Janice Davis, Ponderay, ID; Joyce and Maynard Koehn, Livingston, CA; brothers, Gaylord and Marilyn Schmidt, Galva, KS; Glen and Shirley Schmidt, Livingston, CA; and Darrel Schmidt, Eldon; MO; In-laws: Galen and Virginia Decker, Scott City, KS; Mary and Daniel Holdeman, Clarksville, TX; Lorraine and Edd Williams, Bonners Ferry, ID; Rebecca and Merle Koehn, Deridder, LA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents in-law, one great grandson and three brothers in-law.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Scott Mennonite Church in Pence, Kansas, with Scott Mennonite Church Ministers presiding.

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the Scott Mennonite Church in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Interment will be held in the Scott Mennonite Church Cemetery in Pence, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, and from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ Price & Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for all of the care and concern that has been extended during this time. May God bless each one.