Sherma Charlene Topping Lewis DeDecker
June 22, 1941 – February 2, 2025
Sherma DeDecker, age 83, passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2025 with her dear husband Jim by her side. Sherma was born June 22, 1941 in Ogden, Utah to Henry (Pat) Topping and Kathryn Wynona Sherman. She was the second of four girls.
When she was born, Sherma had a congenital hip and at the age of 13 months was placed in a full body cast. She would not be free from her cast for over a year. Her father and mother took tender care of her during this challenging time.
Sherma attended school in Ogden, graduating from Ogden High School in 1959. After high school she attended Weber State College, earning an associate’s degree in Business Administration and later a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
Sherma married Lesly John Lewis on March 19, 1965. They were blessed with two children: Bradley John and Kathryn Leora. Sherma and John later divorced.
On June 6, 1997 Sherma married her husband of 27 years, James J. DeDecker (Jim) in the Manti, Utah temple. Sherma and Jim lived and worked in Ogden. They were always serving others, inviting friends over for holiday celebrations and special dinners and giving friendship whenever needed. Both Jim and Sherma doted on their grandchildren who have many fond memories of their time together.
During her life, Sherma worked at various places, including Hill Air Force Base and St. Benedict’s Hospital. She taught second grade at Hill Field Elementary School for 4 years before starting her family. After her divorce, Sherma started working at The Standard Examiner, remaining with them for 26 years until her car accident in 2000. She enjoyed her time at the Standard and missed the work and friendships she made.
Sherma was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities, including Primary teacher, Primary president, Young Women president, Relief Society president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Ward Historian, Stake Historian, and most recently as a Youth Sunday School teacher with her husband Jim. Sherma had a strong testimony of the gospel and her Savior, Jesus Christ, and shared it with others verbally, in writing, and through her example.
In 2000, Sherma’s life changed dramatically when she was in a severe car accident which left her a quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair for the remainder of her life. Sherma continued to do many of the things she enjoyed as long as she was able with the help of her husband, family and friends.
The family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff of Community Nursing, including all of the wonderful aides involved in Sherma’s care.
Sherma is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Kathryn, and her younger sisters Florence and Judy. She is survived by her husband, Jim DeDecker, her oldest sister Patsy Andersen (Mel, dec), her children Bradley Nixon (Andy) and Kathryn Brownlee (Travis), her grandchildren Katelyn Nelson (Janice), Sarah Gathro (Tyler), Jared Brownlee (Lexi), Julianne Young (Caleb), and her great-grandchildren Solomon, Steele, Benjamin, Sam, and Tate.
Services will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Liberty Park Ward Building, 1051 21st Street, Ogden, Utah with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:30 am. Burial will follow at the Ogden Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com.