Janet F. (Loomis) Decker

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Church of Christ, 2344 E. 2nd St., in Casper for Janet F. (Loomis) Decker, who passed away after a short illness late Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. Janet was 80.

Janet was born Jan. 31, 1938, in Powell to Gordon and Vera Loomis, who farmed in the Powell Valley. She graduated from Powell High School in 1957 and worked at Gambles in Billings for a short time before marrying Paul James (Jim) Decker Dec. 29, 1957. Janet caught Jim’s eye during her sophomore year of high school. In true chivalrous fashion, he ran up behind her as she was getting ready to board the school bus and asked if she would go on a date with him. She replied, “I have to ask my mom,” and after a positive report from her older brother, Gale, the date was approved.

After their marriage, Jim and Janet moved to Heart Mountain to farm. After farming for a few years, Jim and Janet decided to move to Laramie for Jim to finish his education. The family moved frequently with Jim’s career, living in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and the Washington, D.C. area. After Jim’s retirement, they moved back to Powell and then to Casper in 2015.

Janet valued family, friends and faith above all. Janet was a fabulous cook and hostess. All were welcome in her home, with the kitchen being the center of all activity. She loved to travel, counting her 16 trips to Alaska among her fondest memories. Camping at the Wapiti campground on the North Fork of the Shoshone above Cody with family was a most treasured memory. Janet was a talented artist and crafter always creating beautiful artwork. For all these loves of her life, nothing was more important than leading a faithful Christian life.

Janet’s survivors include her husband of 60 years, Jim; sons Craig and his wife Patti of Wasilla, Alaska, Stanley and his wife Lisa of Casper, and Gary and his wife Shannon of Casper; her brother Gale and his wife Terry of West Yellowstone, Montana, Glen Loomis and his wife Virginia, also of West Yellowstone, and Dorris and Wayne Sternitzky of Overland Park, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Adam, Logan, Cody, Ariel, Jody, Heather, Brian, Sunny and Jameson; as well as eight great-grandchildren,

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Vera Loomis; son Rodney; and grandson Jason.

In accordance with Janet’s wishes, she has been cremated. At some point in the future, Jim and Janet will be united once again in the waters of the North Fork of the Shoshone at Wapiti and in heaven, faithful Christians for life and eternity.