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- From the Big Timber "Pioneer", May 16-22, 2003:
Isabelle Todd Birkeland, 88, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2003, at the Pioneer Nursing Home in Big Timber, MT. She led a full and happy life during her Earthly stay and leaves behind many memories of her generous, full-loving spirit.
Isabelle loved singing, dancing, and playing music on her violin, guitar, or mandolin, especially at local "jam sessions". She thoroughly enjoyed carpentry, woodworkng, and gardening - passions she passed along to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved to do leather work, making many belts, purses, and even a miniature saddle which she treasured. She also enjoyed rock collecting, lapidary work, silversmithing, fishing, and hunting, along with a wide range of other pursuits. Isabelle loved to learn, but she loved to teach even more - she often had children of family and friends at her side learning about whatever she was doing at the time. She was an avid student of history and family events and gladly shared the information with anyone who cared to listen.
Isabelle was born October 9, 1914 in Bozeman, MT, the seventh of eight children of Robert and Elizabeth Todd. Isabelle loved riding horses (with dreams of becoming a famous trick rider), sharing life with her siblings, and working of the family farm near Gallatin Gateway. In 1918, Isabelle's father died of influenze, leaving the large family to carry on. Even though those times were hard, Isabelle always recalled them with fondness and pride in the crops and livestock the family produced. Isabelle attended grade school near Bozeman, in Arizona where the family moved after the older boys were able to take over Gallatin Gateway farm, and in Reed Point, MT, after her mother married Pleun Roobol. Isabelle was among those in the first class graduating from Reed Point High School in 1933.
On January 27, 1934, Isabelle married Eystein Birkeland, a sheep and cattle rancher on Lower Deer Creek near Big Timber. They had two daughters, Arlene and Gail, both of whom still live on the family's ranch. Eystein passed away in December 1971. Isabelle said recently that she had lived out her perfect life - raising horses and cattle and living in the most beautiful place in the world.
Isabelle was a charter member of Bridger Creek Federated Women's Club and the T-Bone Cowbelles (now T-Bone Cattlewomen). She was also a member of the Big Timber Rifle and Pistol Club, Montana Stockgrowers' Association, Sweet Grass Farm Bureau, and Sweet Grass Preservation Association.
Isabelle is survived by her daughters, Arlene Pile and Gail Neal; grandchildren Eleanor (Wayde) Cooperider of Helena, MT; Jim Pile of Staunton, VA; Leslie Williams of Spokane, WA; Monte (Shannon) Neal of Austin, TX; great grandchildren Josh (Kendra) Fjare, Big Timber, Zachary and Tiara Pittman of Spokane; Alexis Kirkwood of Austin; Jacob Garbe and Cameron Pile of Staunton; great, great grandchildren Morgan and Wyatt Fjare, Big Timber; brother Robert "RL" Todd of Stevensville, MT; and numerous nephews, nieces, and their extended families. Isabelle loved all of her family and friends dearly.
Cremation of Isabelle's Earthly remains has occurred. Interment will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at Mountainview Cemetery in Big Timber. A short memorial service and celebration of Isabelle's life will follow from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the family ranch on Lower Deer Creek. Isabelle asked that the celebration resemble the atmosphere of the "Fish Fry" she used to hold each August, so her immediate family will provide barbecue beef sandwiches, baked beans, and beverages. Extended family and friends are invited and may bring a salad or desert.
Memorial may be made to the Big Timber Volunteer Fire Department, whose services Isabelle deeply appreciated so many times throughout her life.
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1914 - 2003 (88 år)
Set As Default Person 
