Burnis Shirley Decker

Burnis Shirley Steele Decker, 77, of Idaho Falls, passed away September 25, 2007.  

She was born July 26, 1930, in Firth, Idaho, to Carl and Leota Beasley Steele.  She grew up on the family farm in Firth.  As a young woman, she moved to Idaho Falls and worked for the telephone company.  

She married Lowell Johnson on Nov 27, 1949, and they had two children, Debra and Ted.  Burnis and Lowell later divorced. Once her children entered school, Burnis worked for the Kings Department Store and for R.T. French and Company.  She started her law enforcement career with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and retired in 1996 as a Dispatch Supervisor for the Idaho Falls Police Department.  

On February 15, 1974, she married Charles A. Decker.  They enjoyed many years together four-wheeling, snow machining, watching baseball games, and spending time with friends at their trailer at Palisades.   

She was a life member of the Order of Eastern Star.  She had a great passion for animals and also for record keeping, particularly family history.  

She is survived by her husband, Charles Decker, her sister, Gloria Duncan, her son, Ted Johnson (fiance, Debbie Hamilton), all of Idaho Falls; her daughters, Debra Johnson of Boise and Lori Smith (husband, Bobby) of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, her grandchildren, Hilary Johnson of Boise and Daniel Smith of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, her sister-in-law Margaret Raines of Timmonsville, South Carolina, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Goldie.  

The family wishes to thank Dr. Gene Hodges, ICU Dr. Wattmore, nurses Wendy, Abby, and Kathy, and the rest of the staff at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and ICU, and the Idaho Falls dispatch and ambulance crew that responded in our time of need.  

In honor of Burnis’ wishes, there will be no services.  The family suggests donations to the Idaho Falls Humane Society in Burnis’ name.