Maxine Isom, 92, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, in Baker City, Ore., due to natural causes.
Maxine was born Feb. 15, 1920, in Hurricane, Utah, to Andrew N. and Jacosa Burke Isom. She was the second of seven children. The first seven years of her life were spent in Utah, and then the family moved to a farm in Oakland Valley, located west of Idaho Falls. Maxine completed her elementary education in a one-room schoolhouse in Oakland Valley. She graduated from Idaho Falls High School.
In 1941, Maxine joined the U.S. Army as part of the World War II effort. She served in the Women's Auxiliary Army. During that time, she attended quartermaster school and then taught army orientation and other classes to female recruits. The friends Maxine made during her service years were dear from then on.
Following her Army service, Maxine became a telephone operator in Portland, Ore., for Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company and Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone. She stayed with the telephone company the rest of her working life, 35 years in total, changing positions within the company and learning new aspects.
She traveled back to Oakland Valley to take care of her mother during her mom's final five years of life. Following that, in 1989, she moved to Oxbow, Ore., and lived close to her sister, Rilla, who passed away in 2002, and stayed until the summer of 2010, when her own health declined.
Maxine never married and never learned to drive a car. Nevertheless, she helped many family members throughout the years. Family was very important to her. She was known for strong opinions, and her word was her oath. She was an avid reader nearly all her life. She had a good sense of humor and made the best of whatever her situation was. Complaining wasn't her style. She enjoyed watching the wildlife from her home in Oxbow.
The family appreciates the staff of Dr. William Irvine, Settlers Park Assisted Living & Memory Care Community and Heart 'n' Home Hospice in Baker, Ore. Also, the family wishes to recognize special friends, Lynn and Jerry Clark of Baker, for their care and vigilance relative to Maxine's well being throughout her decline.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Rilla and Lallis; and brother, Dean.
She is survived by sister, Earlene Campbell; and brother, Frank Isom, both of Idaho Falls; brother, Charles Isom of Rupert, Idaho; as well as 20 nieces and nephews. Maxine will be missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave. in Idaho Falls. A viewing will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, and Saturday for one hour prior to services. Interment including military rites will follow at Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls.
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May you draw close to God at this difficult time.James4:8
December 18, 2012
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Wood Funeral Home -Idaho Falls273 North Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
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