Mi Suk Ganey (Kang) Decker

Kang, Mi Suk Decker—beloved mother, grandmother, and friend—passed peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of Saturday, November 8, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Mi Suk came to the United States in the 1960s, where she built a life rooted in love, resilience, and generosity. She proudly earned her U.S. citizenship, embracing her new home while carrying with her the grace, strength, and spirit of her heritage.

She is predeceased by her husband, Richard E. Decker—known lovingly as “Rick,” “Papa,” or, as she called him, “Yo-boh,” the Korean word for “honey.” Together, they shared a partnership defined by devotion and love.

Oma is survived by her five children—Tina; Linda and her husband Billy, along with their children Udonness, Octavia, Quana, and Bell, and their respective families; James and his children Jake and Autumn; Cathy; and Brenda and her husband John, along with her children Brittney and Alex. She is also survived by her unofficial youngest daughter, Brittney, her husband Marshall, and their son Sawyer—Oma’s cherished great-grandson.

In Korean, “Oma” means “Mother”—but that was who she was to everyone close to her. Oma was the sun: a small but mighty force, full of warmth, wit, and hope. Her smile lit every room, and her laughter was infectious. Her love language was acts of service, and her greatest expression of love was through her cooking. Every meal she made was “the best,” with the singular exception of one unforgettable Thanksgiving when she attempted a turkey... “log.”

Like her favorite food, she was spicy—through and through. A true chili pepper: bold, fiery, and impossible to forget. Her warmth stayed with you, lingering long after she left the room, offering comfort even on the coldest days.

She loved deeply and fiercely, though her tenderness often ran beneath the surface. Her love was like an iceberg—what was visible was only a glimpse of the depth and strength beneath. She was wise as an owl, clever as a fox, steadfast as an ox, and often stubborn as a mule. Her passion burned bright, and her determination taught everyone around her the value of hard work, purpose, and perseverance.

Oma’s favorite flowers were sunflowers—bright, bold, and full of life, much like her. She loved anything with a big yellow happy face, a perfect reflection of her joyful and spirited personality. She was extremely active throughout her life, always ready to dance, sing, and celebrate the beauty of a moment. A devoted Christian, she carried a deep and unshakable faith that sustained her until the end.

Though she grew up an orphan, she built a large, loving family with deep roots that will continue to live out her legacy. She was fiercely proud of all her children, grandchildren, andgreat-grandchild—and of every accomplishment, big or small, that they achieved. She created the family she never had, one filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring love.

She was fierce and loyal and loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lessons she passed down—of love, laughter, resilience, and the joy of sharing a meal. Knowing her changed us all for the better. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever with love.

A private family service will be held to honor her life and her enduring love with her husband.