Betty Louise Dekker

The Lord wrapped his arms around Betty Louise (Taylor) Dekker age 94, on Sunday, February 25, 2024, residing at Country Terrace in Rhinelander.

Betty was born on January 16, 1930, in Amarillo, Texas, to the late Raymond and Francis Taylor. She met James H. Dekker, SSgt. while serving as a jet engine mechanic instructor in the Air Force. After a whirlwind romance, they married on Jan 22, 1955, and soon after Jim’s honorable discharge moved to Rhinelander, where he joined his parents in business at Dekker Service. 

Betty loved playing bridge with her friends on a regular basis, and enjoyed crafts and needlework. She and Jim spent their time working in their flower gardens which were admired by neighbors and friends, camping at Crystal Lake, canoeing, and skiing at Camp 10. They enjoyed the outdoors and any chance to get out in the sun to be with family who they always put first in their life. 

Betty and Jim were long-time members of the Rhinelander First United Methodist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James H. Dekker age 80, son, Thomas N. Dekker age 66, mother, father, and brothers, Gene and Jack Taylor. 

She is survived by her children, Janet (Bob) Dall of Harshaw, James T. Dekker of Rhinelander, Sandra (Scott) Kneser of Wausau; five grandchildren, SFC Patrick (Morgan) Stellick, Bryan (Michelle) Stellick, Jesse Dekker, Rebecca (Tyler) Kenefick, Elizabeth (Tarek) Alameddine; four great-grandchildren, Collin Giede, Keanu Stellick, Remy and Elie Alameddine. 

In her youth, Betty would work in her father’s restaurant, Taylor Café in Amarillo. After moving to Rhinelander, she worked at Happiness Card and Party Shop until it burned in December 1968, then for Dr. Robert Heurich as an optometric assistant before retiring in 1995. 

Rhinelander’s Hildebrand Funeral Home (715)365-4343, is assisting the family with arrangements and invites all to sign Betty’s guestbook at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.