Obituary of Ethel H. Rowback Decker

Mrs. Ethel H. Rowback Decker, 87, of Johnstown, NY was welcomed into the arms of the Lord, with grace and dignity on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at home following a short illness. Born in Gloversville, NY on March 30, 1923 she was the daughter of the late Orville Rowback and Genevieve Fayette Rowback. A lifelong area resident, Ethel graduated from Gloversville High School and later graduated from Amsterdam Memorial Hospital School of Practical Nursing in 1967. She was employed for many years for Amsterdam Memorial Hospital and later the Wells House Nursing Home in Johnstown. Mrs. Decker was a member of the Church of Christ in Johnstown and in her free time enjoyed oil painting, cooking, baking and flower gardening. Above all she loved her family, her cat Prissy and her wonderful late husband, Robert. On February 14th, 1975 she was united in marriage to Robert C. Decker. That union lasted 34 years until his passing on July 20, 2009. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Robert Rowback and Frances Valovic. Survivors include her daughters, Louise Chamberlain and her husband Larry of Johnstown, NY, Jaynee Gonzales and her husband Jose of Johnstown, NY, and Susan Picard and husband Michael of Kinston, North Carolina; a step daughter, Arlene Fraumane and her husband Thomas of Johnstown, NY; one sister, Verna Roach of Johnstown, NY; two sisters-in-law, Joan Rowback of Johnstown, NY and Leona Gill of Fultonville, NY; seven grandchildren, Scott Chamberlain, Todd Chamberlain, Daniel Schuttig, Christopher Schuttig, Douglas Picard, Amanda Hernandez, and Jose "Jay" Gonzales, Jr.; nine great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 1:30p.m. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY with Ethel's grandson, Deacon Scott Chamberlain presiding. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Amsterdam. Calling hours will be held prior to the funeral service on Saturday beginning at 11:30a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA, PO Box 486, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to the National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018.