Jacqueline Ruth Decker, age 91, of Blue Grass, passed away Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. A private family burial took place in Blue Grass Cemetery, Blue Grass. Online condolences may be left at bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Jackie was born on Nov. 13, 1929, the daughter of E.L. and Norma (Meinberg) McCleary in Davenport. She married Robert Nelson in July of 1946. Robert passed away in 1966. Jackie later married Leonard Decker in May of 1978. He passed away in 1993.
Jackie worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in the physical therapy department for many years. Busy raising five sons, Jackie enjoyed her “Ledertoft” card parties. In the 1950s, Jackie and her friend, Shirley Guy, organized a local youth baseball program in Blue Grass. She was a member of Blue Grass Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder. Jackie also cherished her time as a hospice volunteer and was instrumental in the development of the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. Most of all, Jackie loved spending time with her family.
Jackie is survived by her sons, Larry (Donna) Nelson of Davenport, Thom (Cindy) Nelson of Blue Grass, Ken (Kris) Nelson of Blue Grass, and Dennis (Julie) Nelson of Blue Grass; her sister-in-law, Carol McCleary of Blue Grass; stepdaughter, Ginny (John) Mayhem of Texas; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Robert Nelson and Leonard Decker; her brother, Dick McCleary; one son, Jack “Babe” Nelson; stepdaughter, Pat Rohm; and her stepson, Jim Decker.
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