Obituary of Linda Sue Santman-Decker

Linda Decker-Santman, 60, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, called home suddenly on October 12, 2020. Linda was born on December 16, 1959 in Kalamazoo to loving parents Robert(2013) and Maryland (Schafer)Decker . Linda met her soul mate Mark Santman (Kalamazoo, MI), joined in marriage on July 25, 1980. Linda was a loving mother to daughters Tina Minor, Tammy Santman and Sarah (Justin) Santman-Taggert, and son Ryan Santman. Linda had 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren she loved spending time with, MarKeosha, Alishia, DeAndre, Kewan, Shanique, Jalia and Katrina. Markeina, Sah’ma, Miyanna, Jaden, Maloni, Jahari, Amani, and Amina. Linda is survived by her sisters Debra Decker, Joan (David) Santman, and Robin Decker. Aunt Beverly Schafer, 5 nephews: John (Tina) Santman, Jacob(Mandy) Santman, David (Kathryn) Luttrell Jr. Carlton(Jody) Luttrell, and Robert(Ashley) Decker, Linda was preceded in death by Sister-n-law Sandra Townsend, uncle Bill and uncle Merle , aunt Eva, aunt Erma, and aunt Mae . Survived by cousins Wes Schafer Carlos Galtier (New York) Thad (Ruth)Schafer (PawPaw,MI), Lon (Kim) Schafer(Gobles. MI), Lyle (Marlene) Mitchell Jr, (Kalamazoo, MI), Terrie (Mike) Miller (Durham, N.C), Shelly (Jamie) Piano (LaSallie, IN), Sharon (Michael) Yarbrough( Stephenville, TX), Michael (Elizabeth) Verburg ( Indianapolis, IN), Melissia Duncan( Gobles, MI), Matthew (Dolly) Verburg (Kalamazoo, MI), Mike (Cathie) Decker (Laporte, IN), Betty Decker (Laporte, IN) and several friends she considered family . Linda Loved working in her garden or anyone else's for that matter, looking for antiques, especially furniture she could restore. She loved being out at the lake, girls weekends were her favorite, no men allowed, and yet we always ended up with stragglers. She loved her date nights with her husband, Friday nights were a must, She loved family gatherings, the white elephant game she held at her home every year, Christmas cookies with her grandkids, and thanksgiving out to the lake were a few of her favorites. Nothing held her heart with so much joy then spending time with all her family and friends. She was always there to listen or give her words of wisdom, for instance she would always say find out all the facts before you make your decision and judge someone, or just because someone is awful to you doesn't mean you have to be awful back to them. Family will have a celebration of life in the Spring.