Nadia Decker

Nadia Decker, 74, of Aiken, South Carolina, went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2023. She died peacefully at home following a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her friends and family.  

     Nadia, born on June 30, 1948, to George and Anna Diachenko in Aschaffenburg, Germany, joining her older brother Nick.  Nadia and her family emigrated to the United States in 1951 originally to a farm in Pennsylvania before settling on the south side of Chicago.  

     Nadia went on to graduate from Bowen High School in Chicago. After graduating from high school, Nadia went on to Valparaiso University in Indiana. In 1967, she met Steve on a blind date, and they hit it off immediately. Nadia and Steve were married on June 7, 1968, and were married for over 54 years and had 2 children, Nancy (Decker) Vestal and Michelle (Decker) Keller.  

     Nadia was a fiercely dedicated mom to all of her children, choosing to flourish as a stay-at-home Mom for their entire childhood. She welcomed so many of their childhood friends into the family, becoming a surrogate mother to many, especially LeAnn (Morehouse) Hodge.  

     Nadia loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ above all else. She was a loving servant to Him for decades and so clearly showed the light of the Gospel to those who knew her. She was unafraid to face death and was looking forward to standing in His presence. We are confident that she was greeted with "Well done, good and faithful servant." She has now entered into her Master's happiness. 

     Nadia's life touched so many. Over the course of a 14-year battle with cancer, she continued to encourage others and rely on God's grace to be all sufficient. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill. Nadia was predeceased by both her parents. She is survived by her husband Steve, her daughter Nancy (husband David Vestal), grandchildren Macie, Jessica and Nathan Vestal, daughter Michelle (husband Justin Keller), granddaughters Abigail and Katie Keller, and her brother Nick Diachenko (wife Betty, sons Brian and Michael).  

     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nadia's name to Grace Church of Aiken.

     There will be a viewing on Monday, February 20th from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home (715 E. Pine Log Rd in Aiken). A private family entombment on Tuesday, February 21st at Southlawn Cemetery and Mausoleum in Aiken. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 21st at 11:00am at Grace Church of Aiken (144 Talatha Church Rd).  The service will be livestreamed at https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/585055 .

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD, AIKEN, SC
 

"An excellent wife who can find? 
   She is far more precious than jewels,  
The heart of her husband trusts in her,  
   and he will have no lack of gain.  
She does him good, and not harm,  
   all the days of her life... 
Strength and dignity are her clothing, 
   and she laughs at the time to come. 
She opens her mouth with wisdom,  
   and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 
She looks well to the ways of her household 
   and does not eat the bread of idleness. 
Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
   her husband also, and he praises her: 
'Many women have done excellently, 
   but you surpass them all.' 
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,  
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." 
Proverbs 31: 10-12, 25-30