Claudia Ruth Deccio

Claudia Deccio, a beloved Grandmother, Wife, Sister, and Mother, passed away on March 28, 2023, at her home at age 88. Claudia was born January 9, 1935, to Earl and Ruth Newman Duke in Salt Lake City, UT. After growing up in Salt Lake, Claudia attended schools in Denver, CO, and Portland, OR. She then moved to Walla Walla in February 1949. It was there that she met a local Italian man by the name of Ernie Deccio. Claudia and Ernie soon after fell in love and were married on November 25, 1951, at St. Francis Church. They were married for 58 years until the passing of Ernie on January 4, 2009.

Claudia and Ernie settled with their family on a homestead in College Place on Deccio Rd. It was there that Claudia and along with Ernie and his family helped continue the operation of a local family farm, which grew a variety of produce, including the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onions.

Claudia took employment as a dental assistant and bookkeeper for several local dentists. Soon after, taking a position at the County Treasures and worked her way up to chief Bookkeeper. She held this position until retirement after 22 years. After retirement, she began working for the County's Auditor in Elections for an additional ten years.

Claudia was very involved in Walla Walla's Catholic Churches. She was a devote Catholic and found great joy in serving her faith and her Catholic community. She belonged to St. Anne's Alter Society, Catholic Daughters, Court St Cecilia 668, and volunteered at Providence St. Mary Medical Center for 17 years. She also served as a Sacristan for St. Francis' Saturday masses. She performed Alter Linen services and visited homebound church members, bringing them communion weekly. You could always find Claudia doing her part for the church, going above and beyond for the members of St. Francis.

Claudia enjoyed traveling; she took many trips to many places throughout her life. One place that stands out was a trip to Medjugorje, Bosnia. A Place where the Virgin Mary has been seen. She enjoyed classical music and especially Piano. Her favorite singer was Andrea Bocelli, and she had been to a few of his Concerts. Claudia enjoyed many hobbies and activities, playing cards, board games, especially puzzles with her family. Crosswords and word jumbles were also in her daily routine. She liked video poker and playing slot machines. As she did on several occasions in Reno, NV. Claudia was a Crafter. She could knit, crochet, and sew just about anything. She loved to read books of faith and adventure. When she wasn't reading, she watched various classic movies. Claudia was also a collector. She collected Canadian Geese and Owls. Many figurines and pictures could be found throughout her home.

If Claudia wasn't participating in church or one of her many activities, she was cooking. Found in the kitchen always in preparation for her family get-togethers, traditional Sunday dinners, and holiday feasts. She had many amazing recipes, but most loved were her pasta and meatballs, an Italian classic.

Claudia's culinary skills were endless. She wasn't just meals; however, she was also creating and mastering desserts. Cakes, pies, and her famous chocolate chip cookies were just a few of her epic treats. The joy and satisfaction of bringing her family together each week were what Claudia lived for.

Claudia is preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Deccio; parents, Earl and Ruth Newman Duke; sisters, Patricia Mitchell and Dorothy Emery; brothers, Earl Thomas Jr. and  Paul Duke; grandson, Joshua Duvall.

She is survived by her daughter, Tina Deccio; son, Joey Deccio; sister, Kelly Woolley; grandchildren, Laura (Jason) Alter, Mitchell Deccio, Lynda Deccio-Stein (Ed); great-grandchildren Izaiah Duvall, Noah Duvall, Chloe Duvall, Elsie Alter, Justin Alter, and Madelyn Stein.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 6:00 PM, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with Father Lourdu Mummadi as celebrant.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Church, St. Mary Regional Cancer Center, or Catholic Charities through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.

Claudia's gracious and loving presence will be forever honored and dearly missed by family, friends, and the members of the Catholic Church.