Betty J. Decker

Age 84, long time resident of Robert Street in Southport passed away January 1, 2011 at the Chemung County Nursing Facility. Born in Chemung to Ernest Jerome and Emma Samantha (Bennett) Pruyne. Predeceased by her beloved husband George; sisters, Vera and Wilma; brother, Jerome. Survived by her children, Steven (Joan) of Tennessee; George (Carolyn) of North Carolina; Michael (Christel) of Elmira; and Timothy of Horseheads; daughters Emma Jane (Gary) Stewart and Susan (Leon) VanAlstine both of Elmira; as well as 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; best friends, Larry Huntley, Barbara and Allen Cole; her beloved Yorkie Alphie. Betty loved her family, reading, and completing crossword puzzles. While her children attended school, she was active as PTA president, Cub Scout, Brownie, and Girl Scout leader. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was a great cook, and believed education was the key to a successful future pushing all of her children thru college. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Funeral services honoring her life will follow the visitation at 4 PM with Reverend David Sullivan celebrating Betty's life. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of her family in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to SPCA Animal Shelter, St. Josephs Hospital Respiratory Services, or to a charity of one's choice. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for her family in obituaries atwww.olthof.com