Melba Gwen Schmidt Decker, a dear wife, mother, and grandma. Born December 23, 1960, in DeRidder, Louisiana to Virgil and Gladys Schmidt. She peacefully gained her heavenly home after a battle with cancer on September 17, 2026, at 2:56 in the afternoon, with her family and sisters gathered around her bedside.

She was baptized on July 6, 1975, at the age of 14, by Chester Johnson into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. She was faithful to God and her vows till death.

She married Carl Decker on September 6, 1981. They shared 45 years of constant companionship together. They welcomed three daughters and two sons into their home. They lived their life in the DeRidder area serving the community in a variety of ways. She was well loved and enjoyed talking to the many customers that they met along the way while she helped her husband with Decker Sweet Corn and Decker Well Service.

Those left with broken hearts and lasting memories are her husband, Carl Decker of DeRidder, LA; her children, Nancy Schmidt and husband Matthew of DeRidder, LA, Renee Schmidt and husband Eric of Grafton, ND, Stanley and wife Heather of DeRidder, LA; Twila Koehn and husband Levi of DeRidder, LA; and Jason and wife Brittany of DeRidder, LA; 13 grandchildren and 2 special little girls who she lovingly claimed as her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands parents and adopted father, and one granddaughter.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2026, and continuing from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2026, at Southern Magnolia Mennonite Church, DeRidder, Louisiana. Interment to follow at Southern Magnolia Mennonite Church Cemetery, DeRidder, Louisiana.