Isabelle Mae "Isssy" Rom

ROUNDUP - Isabelle "Issy" Mae Rom, 89, left this earth for her next great adventure on March 29, 2011.

Her life began on Nov. 28, 1921, in Roundup. Roundup was home all her life. On Sept. 18, 1943, she married the love of her life, William "Bill" Rom. They had one daughter, Sallie Anne.

Issy was no stranger to hard work. She was a firm believer that the Lord helped those that helped themselves. Isabelle started her work life in the 1930s, driving a team of horses on her Grannie Smith's ranch. In the 1980s, she retired from her work in the State of Montana's Homemakers Program.

Issy's determined spirit allowed her to live with painful arthritis most of her adult life. Improving her home and garden brought her great pleasure. Visiting and laughing with family and friends, sipping a glass of jug wine and playing with her dog Bogart were favorite ways to relax. Helping others without their knowledge was her way of living the Golden Rule.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sallie Rae; husband, Bill; nephew, Jim Beadle; and brother-in-law, Warren "Tut" Beadle.

She is survived by her daughter, Sallie Anne Palmer and Sallie's best friend, William "Bill" Koss; and her sister, Betty Rae Ross and her husband Norm. She leaves behind nieces, Linda Birkett and Carol Knight; nephew Bob (Joanie) Rom; cousins Hershel Robbins and daughters Patty Kozlaker, Connie (Gary) Igo, Mari Jane (Lance) Orner, Michele (Woody) Weitzeil, Saralynn Robbins, Robin (Roger) Byford and Audra Rook; and the Butcher Babes: Theresa, Sheila and Patti.

Many thanks to the staff of the Rocky Mountain Hospice, especially Carol Heath, for making her last journey peaceful. Also, our family is deeply grateful for the care giving Mom received from her neighbor and friend, Nancy Kemler, and the many phone calls from her old friend, Milly Charlton, cousin Hershel and niece Linda.

A celebration of her life will be held later. Date to be announced. Cremation has taken place.

Those wishing to make a memorial can send them to the Rimrock Humane Society, Rocky Mountain Hospice or the charity of their choice.

Mom, as promised, I kept it short. My lipstick is on, my nails are clean, my hair is out of my eyes, and if I was in an accident, you wouldn't be embarrassed. I will always remember: "Be what you is, Because if you Be what you Ain't, Then you Ain't what you Is."

Godspeed on your new beginning, Momma. You are greatly missed.