Montezuma - Mandena Decker Litwiller Johnson was born to Peter and Dena Schmidt Decker January 5, 1922, in Verdon, Oklahoma. She departed this life on February 1, 2014, at Bethel Home, Montezuma.

Her parents moved to Littlefield, Texas when she was a child. There she received her education. At a young age, she had a new birth experience and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. She was faithful unto her vows unto the end.

On March 24, 1940, she was married to Donald A Litwiller. To this union were born eleven children, of which nine survive. She lived at Deridder, Louisiana, all of her married life. Donald died suddenly of a heart attack in Brazil while preparing to move there on Feb 15, 1974. This left her with four children still at home. She was married to our father almost thirty-four years.

On April 6, 1984, she married Jesse Johnson, born Dec. 6, 1910. Dad Jesse passed away Oct. 14, 1993, after almost ten happy years together.

In 2005 mother moved to Bethel Home where she was well taken care of until her passing. Her daughter Carolyn and husband Kevin Classen were always there for our mother.

Mother was conscientious, working hard and uncomplaining in her role of pioneer wife and mother. She enjoyed homemaking and quilting. She gave quilts to many of her grandchildren. She loved gardening, especially the flowers. She loved baking bread. We never doubted her sincerity or concern for our spiritual welfare. Her children and grandchildren were dear to her. We believe she is on the other side awaiting the reward of the faithful.

Left to mourn mothers' passing are three sons: Alvin and wife Florence; Wayne and wife Marjorie, all of DeRidder, Louisiana; John and wife Misty of Huron, South Dakota; and six daughters: Betty and husband Ron Classen, Moundridge; Ruth and husband Clinton Holdeman, Elma, Iowa; Mary and husband Dewayne Unruh, DeRidder, Louisiana; Esther and husband David Ensz, Blossom, Texas; Marilyn and husband Stan Ensz, Bancroft, South Dakota; Carolyn and husband Kevin Classen, Montezuma; forty grandchildren; eighty-four great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and one brother, Marvin Decker and wife, Connie. Mother was predeceased by both husbands, one infant son, Elwin; one daughter, Doris, her parents, twelve siblings, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at Southern Magnolia Mennonite Church in DeRidder, Louisiana on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Highland Mennonite Cemetery in DeRidder. Visitation will be at Bethel Home on Sunday, February 2, 2014 from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.