Decker memorial draws hundreds at Rocky Reach Park

WENATCHEE — Rocky Reach Park was the site of the public memorial for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker on June 20, as family and friends gathered to honor the lives of the three young girls whose lives were tragically taken just weeks ago.

There was no discussion of the investigation; however, there was a large police presence at the park, and the Wenatchee Police Department, who were involved in the early stages of the case, wore bands on their badges with the girls’ favorite colors — pink for Evelyn, purple for Paityn, and green for Olivia — to honor their still-felt presence in the community.

Participants in the program included Melanie Nees playing the piano; Jon Vandel officiating; Tyler Scharlau of the YMCA; Andrea Locke, a dance instructor from Fabulous Feet Dance Studio and friend of the family; Sophee Mott, a dancer from the studio and friend of the girls; Steve Wilkinson, their grandfather; Amy Edwards, the family friend who organized the GoFundMe that as of this writing sits slightly over $1.25 million, performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow;” Alex Wilkinson, a sister who performed candle lighting; and Ronda Wilkinson, the girls’ grandmother, who also lit candles.

Prior to the memorial, family spokesperson Mark Belton held a press conference far from the area where mourners were gathered.

“On behalf of the family, I want to express their deep gratitude,” Belton said, “for the compassion, the care and support that has flooded in from the community and beyond. There’s no road map for mourning something that is so heartbreaking. The loss of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia has touched all of us in profound ways. But we know the heaviest grief belongs to Whitney and her family, and we hold space for them with compassion and respect. Today’s memorial is a time to grieve, to remember, and to honor three beautiful girls, each of whom brought in something that was uniquely special to the world.”

Belton continued, “We hope this gathering offers a sense of solace to those who are hurting, and a step toward healing and closure for the greater community. They were full of life, whether shining on stage, dancing across the room, running on a field, or lighting up their classrooms with curiosity and kindness. Each had their own spark, their own strengths and their own dreams. We carry those dreams with us now. The futures they imagined, the paths they might have taken, and we keep them close as part of their lasting legacy. They were truly remarkable girls, and the hole they leave behind is immeasurable.”

Belton went on to say that the memorial was not a time for questions about the ongoing investigation. He also acknowledged the conversation that has been sparked within the community about Amber Alerts, family law, and mental health issues, and the things that need to change in those areas, but also said that the memorial was “not a moment for advocacy,” but instead for remembrance.

“It’s important to acknowledge that everything is still incredibly raw. Anyone who has lost a loved one knows that that time shifts — there is a now, and a clear before and after,” Belton said. “The days without these girls have felt like a lifetime, though only a few weeks have passed.”

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media