Betty L. (Monroe) Harris Decker
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Betty L. (Monroe) Harris Decker, 89.
Betty left for her heavenly home on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at her residence in Staunton, VA.
Betty was born in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, on November 22, 1936, to Allen and Mary Kathrine Monroe. She was the oldest child of 8 siblings.
Betty joined Stuarts Draft Mennonite Church with her grandfather, William Monroe, at the age of 12. She attended Stuarts Draft Schools and graduated from Wilson Memorial High School. Upon graduation, Betty went to work at General Electric in Waynesboro, Virginia, where she met her husband, Melvin Harris, and married him in 1956. Betty joined the VFW as a lifetime member and served as president of the Women's Auxiliary Post 2424. GE moved on and changed to Genicom, at which Betty worked as a secretary until she retired. In 1984, Betty married Charles (Charlie) Decker and moved to Charlottesville, VA. True to form, she never sat still and began working at Martha Jefferson House as a cook, as well as cooking for various sorority houses at the University of Virginia.
She opened her own business, Dianna’s Catering, and enjoyed many years of making wonderful foods with excellent staff and friends. She also became a caregiver for many neighbors and friends in the area. When Betty wasn’t busy in the kitchen, she was out in the garden creating living tapestries with her flowers. She loved spending time with friends and family and was well known for her generosity and smile. Betty returned to the Valley in 2015, moved in with her daughter to be closer to her family, and joined Good Shepherd Episcopal Church at Folly Mills.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Mary Kathrine Monroe; her husbands, Melvin Harris and Charlie Decker. Her beloved sister, Bonnie McGann, and brothers Bobby and Lonnie Monroe. She is also preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Barbara Decker, and her nephew, Thomas Harris.
She is survived by her siblings, Steve and Diane Monroe, Carolyn and Charles Lawson, Debbie Beal, Earl and Joy Monroe, and sister-in-law Rose Monroe. Betty is survived by her daughter, Dianna Harris Pittman, and her husband, Daniel Pittman. Betty is also survived by her stepchildren, Patricia Decker, Charles and Maribeth Decker, and Deborah Decker. She is survived by grandchildren Justin Zimmerman, Lindsey and Brian Mortimer, Lauren and German Laconi, Grace Zimmerman, Zachary and Kirsten Pittman, Gwyneth and Will Woodruff, O’Livia Pittman, Skip Stevens, and Kari Stevens. She leaves behind many great-grandchildren, Arabella, Brooke, Josalind, Emerson, Raven, Imogen, Hallie, William, Andrea, and Patrick. She also leaves behind dear friends, George, Nelson, and Leo—as well as a cherished Godson, KeShawn, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty touched so many lives in so many ways. Her quick wit and smile made her the life of the party.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Betty’s home church, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church of Folly Mills, located at 809 Lee-Jackson Highway, Staunton, Virginia 24401, for family and friends, with a service to follow at 2:00 PM.
Betty will be laid to rest following the service at Greenmonte Fellowship Church Cemetery, located at 1661 Cold Springs Rd, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477.
Your presence and support during this difficult time mean a great deal to our family.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.
