Isabelle M. Tomlin-Merrill

Isabelle Tomlin-Merrill, 99, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

Born on November 3, 1925, in Indianola, Nebraska, Isabelle dedicated her life to family, faith, and service to others. She was a devoted mother to her five amazing children (two in-lawed), a wonderful grandmother to her “four perfect grandchildren” and their partners, and over the moon about her two incredible great-granddaughters. She was also a loving aunt and sister who touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity. 

A lifelong educator, Isabelle made a lasting impact as a teacher in both Indianola, Nebraska, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom as she nurtured and encouraged those around her. She was strong in her faith and found great joy in helping others through volunteering at Meals on Wheels and hospice centers. Her selflessness and compassion were evident in everything she did—she always put others before herself. 

Isabelle had a zest for life that shone through in her many hobbies. She loved attending church services and giving back to her community through volunteer work. She enjoyed playing games with family and friends, dancing, cooking, baking, and even trying her luck at gambling from time to time - in which she won regularly. One of her greatest joys was cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their many sporting events—always their biggest supporter. 

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Lyle Tomlin and Delbert Merrill; her sons Jerry Tomlin and Mickey Tomlin; son-in-law Jerry Sawyer; and other beloved family members. She is survived by her daughter Barbra Sawyer; daughter-in-law Susie Tomlin; grandchildren Erich Sawyer and wife Jolene Sawyer, Shannon Sawyer, Stacy Tomlin, and Melissa Tomlin; great-granddaughters Annabelle Sawyer and Eliza Sawyer; bonus grandchildren Scott Brackett, and Joshua Daugherty; as well as extended family members who will cherish her memory forever. 

A visitation with rosary will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schrader, Aragon & Jacoby Funeral Home (2222 Russell Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001). A memorial service will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral (100 W 21st St., Cheyenne, WY 82001), followed by burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery (801 E Pershing Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82001). Family will receive guests at St. Mary’s Cathedral Hartmann Hall immediately following the burial. In remembrance of  Isabelle, please wear your best floral clothing.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Isabel’s name to the following organizations:

Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne (https://www.mealsonwheelsofcheyenne.com/)

American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/) 

Isabelle’s legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.