Argus Observer (Ontario, Malheur County, Oregon)
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Mary Isabel Stapleton Handley
Feb. 6, 1926 - March 26, 2008
Payette
Isabel Handley, 82, of Payette, quietly passed into the arms of her Savior at home in Payette on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, surrounded by her loving family, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. In her pain and suffering, she taught a lot of people about trusting God in all circumstances. Services to honor and celebrate her life will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at First Christian Church, Payette, Pastor Ralph Pearson officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Payette. Funeral services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Condolences may be made to the family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.
Isabel was born Feb. 6, 1926, in Jewell, Kan., to Howard and Emma Stapleton. She was the youngest of four children and joined her three older brothers, Herbert, Ralph and Marshall. She grew up on the family wheat farm near Jewell.
Isabel married E.L. "Bud" Handley on Feb. 16, 1947, at her family home in Jewell. They started their life together living in Mankato, Kan. Bud worked at a Standard gas station, and Isabel worked at the county courthouse. They had three daughters, Kathryn, Janet and Carol.
In 1956, Bud knew the pipeline was being laid for natural gas to come to Idaho, so in April of that same year, he came to Idaho and lived with his sister and brother-in-law in Fruitland, Idaho. Bud got a job, and Isabel and the three girls followed in June. When Bud left Kansas, they had $150 in the bank. He took half and left Isabel the rest. "God provided for us," Isabel said, and that was one of many times during their 61 years of marriage that they put their trust in God to provide for their needs.
They lived in Fruitland and Emmett before moving to Payette in 1958. They were active members of First Christian Church in Payette for over 40 years until she was not physically able to attend. During that time, she served on many committees and most recently served as church treasurer. Isabel was a very talented musician. She played beautiful piano or organ music at church, and many people were blessed by the messages of those songs played with her loving hands. Isabel was a witness to many people as she demonstrated God’s love, understanding and grace. Music was a big part of her life, and she used her musical talents by teaching piano lessons for eight years. Besides playing for church, church programs and cantatas, she was also called upon to play for weddings, funerals, and she accompanied many community musical groups. She was an active member of Friday Musical for numerous years. Isabel also sold Avon, and in 1966, she started working at the Payette Public Library until she retired in 1988.
Isabel and Bud enjoyed traveling. Some of her memorable trips included going to Italy to be present at the birth of her first grandchild, Panama for the birth of her second grandchild, Hawaii, a cruise to Alaska, The Calgary Stampede, a trip to Branson, Mo., and several group bus tours. There were many good times and memories of taking trips in their travel trailer and camping with friends and grandchildren.
Her love for her family and grandchildren was evident. Going to Grandma’s house was an experience! Many times their living room was converted into an office by setting up TV trays full of "office stuff," or searching through Grandma’s closet for items for playing dress-up. She read countless books to her grandchildren and hosted many slumber parties, and she "appeared" to be the worst Old Maid card player around! There are so many wonderful memories of Grandma Isabel. She was always there for her family, ready to help when needed, and she faithfully prayed for each and every one of them.
Isabel was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1993. She faced the disease with dignity and never complained. She never gave up. She just kept going, taking it one day at a time. She found her strength and comfort from God and reading her Bible. Romans 8:38-39 was a favorite scripture, and she was secure in this promise.
Isabel is survived by her loving husband, Bud, of 61 years; her three daughters, Kathy (Gary) Wagers, of Walla Walla, Wash., Janet (Ron) Fales, of Eagle River, Ark., and Carol (Mike) Campbell, of Payette, Idaho; six grandchildren, Danielle (Chad) Rockwood, Tiffany (Keith) Facer, James Thiffault, Dana (Randy) Perkins, Marissa Fales and Megan (Jason) Spath; one great-granddaughter, Addie Perkins; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers.
Words cannot express our gratitude to Heart n’ Home Hospice for the wonderful care Isabel received. Thank you to the Crisis Care Team, and a special thank you to her caregivers, Consuela and Linda, for making it possible for Isabel to remain at home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Research Foundation or Heart n’ Home Hospice in memory of Isabel, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.
