Barbara Jean Decker passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 89. Born on September 22, 1935, in Bloomington, Illinois, Barbara's life was woven with friendship, joy, hard work, and boundless love. The daughter of John Arnold and Mildred Lorraine Radka, both deceased, Barbara grew up in a large family alongside her siblings: Betty Matthews (alive), John Radka (alive), Jim Radka (alive), Ben Radka (alive), Bernie Radka (deceased), Bernice Radka (deceased), and Bill Radka (deceased). Her childhood was marked early by a strong work ethic. Barbara loved spending time with her grandparents, Bernice and Michael Radka. She pumped gas at grandpa's gas station and helped her grandma at her restaurant next door when she was just 10 years old. When Barbara was 15, she and her family moved to Aberdeen, WA where she immediately started working at Waltz Candy Land through high school. This is where she met her future husband, Thomas Decker.

On April 17, 1954, Barbara and Tom were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Aberdeen, Washington. Together they built a life filled with adventure. They were fortunate to travel to Australia 20 different times, where they cultivated deep and lasting friendships. They also took numerous road trips across the United States with the family. Barbara's professional years were marked by her early established work ethic. She managed and cooked at the luncheonette in S & H Kress for many years, sharing her warmth and skill with patrons. She worked at Olympic drug as a pharmacy tech until the store's closing and later retired from Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. She created lifelong friendships wherever she worked and kept in touch with many of them online or by phone.

A true friend to all, Barbara never met a stranger. Her smile brightened every room, and her generous spirit was a constant comfort to those fortunate enough to know her. Even in times of personal challenge, she epitomized resilience and positivity, never once uttering a complaint. Barbara's passions brought her immeasurable joy. She was an avid supporter of college football, and especially loved the Boise State Broncos. Her love of words was legendary—she played Words with Friends with 52 people across the globe and often found herself at the top of the leaderboard. In the kitchen, Barbara was most at home, making meals from scratch for her family. Family was at the heart of all Barbara did. She always placed family's needs before her own. She is survived by her children, Pamela Holladay, Diane Schroeder, and Thomas Decker, and grandchildren Jean Schroeder, Sean Schroeder, Georgia Decker, Janae Holladay and Tyler Holladay, who will carry on her legacy of hard work, kindness and unwavering support.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom (d. 2017). She loved gatherings at the Aberdeen Elks with husband, Tom, and cherished every opportunity to spend time surrounded by friends. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, with a 11:00 a.m. viewing at Nampa Funeral Home in Nampa, Idaho and a 1:00 p.m. burial to follow at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery – Boise.

All who were touched by Barbara's love and kindness are welcome to say goodbye and celebrate her wonderful spirit. Barbara found comfort and inspiration in the Christian poem "Footprints in the Sand," a reflection of her faith and her belief that God carried her through life's journeys. Barbara Jean Decker's loving and positive presence will be dearly missed but forever cherished in the memories of those who loved her and the countless lives she touched along the way.