Rebecca Juanita Decker

Rebecca Juanita Cruz

Born March 24, 1918 at Sterling, Colorado. Becky's mother and father were Joe Cruz and his wife Sarah. On this date Sarah gave birth to twins, one boy and one girl. The girl was Becky. Her twin only lived two years and passed away.

Becky had one brother, Fred, and three sisters, Netty, Bell, and Sarah Valentine. At the age of twelve years Becky lost her father in a coal mining accident in northern Colorado.

Married James E. Hood in 1937. They had one son James E. Hood Jr. in 1938. After about one year James Sr. left, never to be heard of again. For the next nine years James Jr. was raised by his Mother and Grandmother, Sarah.

During the war years Becky worked in the defense industry. Becky worked at Remington Arms making 50 Cal. Bullets. During this time James Jr. lived in Brighton, Colorado about 20 miles north of Denver. Becky worked erratic shifts. One week 1st shift the next week 2nd and the third week 3rd. So James Jr. was sent to live with his grandmother in Brighton.

At the end of World War II, Rebecca went to work at Stapleton Air Field Modifications Center. She worked as a mechanic on B-29's that were brought in to be modified. Becky was just small enough to get inside the 18 cylinder engines. She would change the oil in these engines. After the job ended, Becky went to work at William Ainsworth and Sons. There she manufactured analytical balances. She retired from Ainsworth and Sons in the early 70's.

In 1947 Rebecca married George L. Decker Jr. They were married for five years. In 1952 George passed away. Rebecca never remarried.

Rebecca was survived by son James, grandson Matthew, and three step-grandchildren, Kelly, Tracy, and Julie. Three great-grandchildren, Jessica, Kate, and Jennifer and one great, great-grandson, Tel Joseph.

Rebecca will be interred in Saratoga, Wyoming at her sister's family plot.

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