Bessie Decker, 89, of Hardinsburg, KY, died on February 7, 2023 at Baptist Health Louisville. She was born in Hardinsburg, KY on June 22, 1933 to the late Will Stinnett and Emma Lou Wilson Stinnett. Bessie met and married her husband Carlton Decker whom she spent 68 wonderful years with. Bessie and Carlton were led to the Lord at Sample United Methodist and worshipped there until their move to Stephensport, where they worshipped and served at Stephensport United Methodist Church. In the early 60s they moved to Hardinsburg, and served the rest of their years at Hardinsburg United Methodist Church.
Bessie began working at Galante Studio in 1957, working there as a cutter until health concerns forced her retirement, after which she stayed busy with their children as she and Carlton encouraged Pat and Bubby to be involved in Boy Scouts, band, football, cheerleading and various clubs, and their youth group. They enjoyed taking the grandchildren, and later the great-grandchildren to the apple festival or the Breckinridge and Grayson County fairs or Carlton’s annual company picnic at Paducah. This was all in addition to volunteering in the community as well as her church. She was a member of the hospital’s Women’s Auxiliary, and together with Carlton they served as Hospice volunteers for 25 years. Each summer they spent a week serving as buddies at Vacation Retreat, a camp for mentally challenged adults. In their later years when they decided to slow down, they worked at the Good Samaritan Center and the Historical Society.
Bessie enjoyed gardening and canning, preparing enough to share with family and friends. She was an excellent seamstress, making her daughters prom dresses, and all the dresses for her wedding. Once she was no longer able to garden or sew, she and Carlton enjoyed their backyard birds, with the hummers being her favorite. She was also a wonderful cook, and was always taking a casserole or cake to neighbors when needed.
Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Decker and son, Carlton (Bud/Otis) Decker; Son-in-Law, Ken Blandford; siblings: Will Stinnett, Jr., Lester Stinnett, James Earl Stinnett, Mary Frances Dooley, Elanor Thompson, Margaret Ann Edge, David Owen Stinnett and Pauline Stinnett.
Bessie is survived by her daughter, Pat Blandford of Louisville, Ky
Brothers: Albert Stinnett of Indiana
Ron Stinnett (Carolyn) of Falls of Rough, KY
Donnie Stinnett of Custer, KY
Sister-in-Law: Diana Heath of Cloverport, KY
Grandchildren: Holly (Steve) Roberts, Matthew (Aly) Blandford, Amanda (Nick) Barnes
Great-Grandchildren: Tanner Roberts, Travis Roberts, Callie Blandford, Shelby Jane Blandford
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 CST on Thursday at Hardinsburg United Methodist Church
Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 9:30 until time of service
Burial will be in Ivy Hill Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Breckinridge Health Foundation
Funeral services will also be available for viewing on the Hardinsburg United Methodist YouTube channel