Ruth Hensley Decker

Asheville- Ruth Hensley Decker, 84, of Asheville, died Friday, November 12, 2021 at her residence.

A native of Madison County, she was a daughter of the late Sidney and Annis Shelton Hensley. Ruth was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Cambridge Decker who died in 2015.

Ruth attended Warren Wilson College and graduated from Mars Hill University. She worked for 27 years with the Buncombe County School System starting as a paraprofessional at Biltmore Elementary School, then became a 2nd grade teacher at Valley Springs Elementary School and Estes Elementary School. She was a member of Westside Christian Church. Ruth’s family would like to say a “special thank you” to CarePartners Hospice for their care and compassion.

She is survived by one son, Bryan Decker (Becky) of Columbia, SC; two daughters, Diana Mead (Robert) of Fletcher and Allison Whitt of Mars Hill; three sisters, Marie Tweed, Dorothy Tipton, and Sandra Hensley-Sprinkle; two brothers, Clayton Hensley and RB Hensley (Betsy); one grandson, Caleb Whitt (Kennedy); three great-grandchildren, Sutton Whitt, Tucker Whitt and Sophia Gibson as well as nine nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth’s family asks that you please consider making a contribution to the Salvation Army.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.