Virginia Ann Decker

Virginia “Gina” Ann Decker passed away on September 24, 2023, at Hospice of the Valley in Mesa, Arizona after a short illness.
She was born on June 13, 1942, in Hillsboro, Washington to Mattie and Willis Pyle. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nancy VanOsdel, husband, Larry E. Decker, daughter, Wendy A. Burton.
Virginia Decker is survived by her son, Weston Decker and his wife, Lisa, of Charlottesville, VA; son-in-law Chuck Burton of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; four grandchildren, Sierra Townsend and husband, Kingston, of Louisa, VA, and Charnyse, Charde, and Dez Burton of Upper Marlboro, MD; and three great grandchildren, Lila, Layla, and Kingston, Jr. Virginia’s Oregon relatives include sister-in-law, Deanna Cartmill of Cottage Grove, OR and her cousin Mary of Redmond, OR, as well as four nieces and five nephews.
After earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Oregon, she began her career as a special projects and research assistant at the University of Oregon. She then taught economics at a local community college. From 1977 to 2007, she was the managing editor and senior consultant for several publications and proposals relating to community education; she helped with 32 online and offline publications. During those years, she also worked as a web developer, web facilitator, and consultant.
In addition, Virginia served on several boards, including Albemarle County Public Schools, The American Association of University Women and Waterside Homeowners Association. She served as President for the League of Women Voters, University of Virginia Women’s Club, and University of Oregon Faculty Wives.
Virginia loved traveling and embracing adventures whenever she could. She and her husband Larry explored many places, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Asia, Trinidad, and Tobago. When she was not abroad, she enjoyed touring the United States in their RV touring national parks and visiting loved ones and friends. Koala bears, kangaroos, and marlins are a few of Virginia’s notable and friendly encounters. She cherished reading, gardening, horseback riding, dancing, fishing, baking fresh bread and pies, and hunting. But most importantly, she adored spending time with family and friends.
From humble beginnings growing up on a farm to her career as a successful editor and writer, Virginia never forgot her roots nor bragged about her accomplishments. She will always be remembered as a very loving, gracious, kind, generous, smart, accepting mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend--and the most non-judgmental person you could ever meet.
Special thanks go to Dave and Tina Wolfgang of Gold Canyon, Arizona with their hands on assistance and resilience with Virginia ‘s care throughout multiple doctors’ appointments and hospital visits. Also, we want to thank all of Virginia’s friends at Gold Canyon, AZ for their support and especially Theresa Brummet who assisted with Virginia’s basic needs.
A private family memorial service will be held in Virginia’s honor.