Mildred Bernice West Decker of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and formerly of Ogden, Utah, returned to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on February 7, 2009. Bernice was born June 13, 1917, in Ogden, Utah, to Asa Evelyn and Ethel Matilda West. Her life was spared during the 1917 influenza epidemic and she was allowed to stay on earth for 91 years. Bernice met Rex L. Decker when she was in the eighth grade. Five years later, at the age of eighteen, she and Rex were married on October 3, 1935, in Ogden, Utah. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple. Shortly after their first child was born, Rex and Bernie moved to a small cabin in the middle of a beautiful forest at Signal Mountain in Yellowstone Park, where Rex was a forest ranger. They later returned to Ogden where they added three more children to the family. They moved to Evanston, Wyoming, where their youngest child was born. From there, they moved to Salt Lake City Bernice was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Primary, Mutual, Sunday School, and the Relief Society. She was on the Mutual Stake Board, Sunday School Stake Board, a counselor in Relief Society, both ward and stake, and a Relief Society President in two wards. She was a wonderful example of charity and Christ-like love. She spent many hours giving service to many women and families. Bernice and Rex served a mission in the Rochester New York Mission at the Peter Whitmer Farm. She worked in genealogy, name extraction and as a ward activation missionary.

Bernice had a special gift of creating beauty all around her. She was a talented seamstress and an excellent cook. She made many wonderful meals for family and friends. She was an exceptionally talented artist. She created wonderful oil paintings for everyone in her family. Bernice had a talent of giving just the right gift, writing just the right words and doing just the right thing to brighten the lives of those around her. Her example of love, forgiveness, patience and service is one to be looked up to. Bernice worked outside the home for many years as a secretary at a law firm and then as a much appreciated secretary at Bonneville Jr. High School. Her heart and interests were always foremost with her family. She is survived by her husband, Rex L. Decker of Idaho Falls, ID; children: Sharon (Marlow) Hilton of West Point, UT; Brent (Pat) Decker of Issaquah, WA; Quinn (Jan) Decker of Pasco, WA; Paul (Linda) Decker of Idaho Falls, ID; and Ruth (Rick) Pickett of Dammeron Valley, UT; 16 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2009, at the Woodruff LDS First Ward Chapel, 1660 12th St. with Bishop Lamar Densley officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday evening, February 12th from 6-7:30 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls and at the church Friday one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Ogden City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.