Leila J. Decker

Leila J. Decker, 87, of Harrisonville, PA passed away quietly surrounded by family at her home on March 10, 2021, 
     She was born the youngest daughter of Harry and Eva Helsel in Wells Tannery, PA on June 4, 1933.  She was the widow of Stanley Kyle Decker whom she married on October 1, 1948 and he passed away on September 20, 1991.
     Leila is survived by three children; Barbara Sowers, wife of G. David, Gary Decker, husband of Eileen, and Dixie Paruch, wife of Robert, brother Harry David Helsel, as well as a niece, Gayle Shatzer, wife of Jeffrey whom she and Kyle raised as their own. She was also blessed with ten grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.  Leila was preceded in death by sisters Alice H. Hann, Retha Mae Helsel, Elda Siler, Vesta Marquart, brother George Helsel, half-brothers Walter and Roy Barton and grandson Brandon Sowers. 
     She was a member of the Sideling Hill Christian Church and the Ladies Aid there. In later years, she attended Ebenezer United Methodist Church with her family. In earlier days, Leila was married young and as a devoted wife to Kyle, she treasured her main job of creating a happy, healthy home for her family. Leila enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, quilting and rocking babies. She excitedly cared for nieces, nephews, neighbor’s  kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leila was an avid seamstress, 4-H leader, self taught furniture upholsterer and supporter of her family’s activities. She was appointed to fulfill Kyle’s term as Licking Creek Township Superviser and continued to support township activities. Leila transported many children as a van driver for Central Fulton School District for 45 years, retiring in 2019. Over the years these children became family to her.
     Funeral services will be private at Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home, Inc., McConnellsburg, PA. Following Covid-19 restriction guidelines, friends and family may gather at the Sideling Hill Christian Cemetery, Needmore, PA for the committal at 11:30 AM on Saturday, March 13, 2021 with Pastor Erik Sollenberger and Pastor William Swope officiating. 
     In lieu of flowers,  memorial donations can be made to Leila’s missionary granddaughter at YWAM Jax, 1015 Atlantic Blvd. #303  Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 ID#47065.
     Online condolences may be expressed at www.howardlsipes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leila J. Decker, please visit our floral store.