Catherine Bechtold Shimley Decker
Catherine Bechtold Shimley Decker, 70, of Duryea, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Edenbrook on Second Avenue in Kingston. Born in Pittston on August 31, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Catherine (Rugletic) Bechtold.
Catherine was a graduate of Pittston Area High School, Class of 1974, and a former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pittston. After high school, she graduated with a practical nursing degree from Wilkes-Barre Vo-Tech. She began her nursing career at Highland Manor Nursing Home, where she worked for 30 years, and later served as an emergency room nurse at Regional Hospital of Scranton, from which she retired.
Catherine treasured Sunday brunches with her close friends, family cookouts, and sharing stories about times gone by. She enjoyed taking cruises with family and friends and going for long drives through the mountains of the surrounding area. Most of all, she cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and with her fur babies. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, Catherine was preceded in death by her first husband, John “Butchie” Shimley; her second husband, Melvin Decker; her sister, Betty Jean Sinoracki; her brother, Charles “Butch” Bechtold; her nephew, David Sinoracki; and her niece, Marilyn Tokar and her brother-in-law and friend, Joe Russick Sr.
Catherine is survived by her son, John Shimley of Duryea; her daughter, Christina Boyanowski, and Christina’s husband, Brian, whom Catherine affectionately called her buddy; her grandchildren, Miranda Kopko (Joe), Christy Shimley, Ashlyn O’Donovan, Mason O’Donovan, and Ryan Boyanowski (Hailey); and her great-grandchildren, Arabella, Audrey, Jed, and Bryson. Also surviving are her brother, Carl Bechtold of Duryea; her nieces and nephews, Mark Sinoracki (Barbara), Melissa Bechtold (Scott), Jack Bechtold, Joe Russick (Michelle), and Paul Russick (Tammy).
A memorial service will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea. Pastor Justin Tigerman of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Hughestown will officiate. Friends may call Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
Catherine’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Edenbrook on Second Avenue and Compassionate Care Hospice for the kindness and compassion they showed Catherine during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
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