Virginia Fern Isbell

Virginia Fern Isbell, 91, of Marshall, IL, died at 4:50 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. She was born December 7, 1926 in Darwin, IL, the daughter of John Raymond Heleine, Sr. & Floy (Whitkanack) Heleine. She married Charles W. Isbell on January 10, 1948 in Marshall and they went on to raise four children. She and Charles enjoyed camping with family and friends, playing cards and dominoes, and putting out his summer fruit stand. At home, she could often be found hand quilting, a pastime she enjoyed for many years. Fern is remembered by many locally as a cashier for both Ellis Key and D & J Markets and was also a longtime member of both the West Union Christian Church and American Legion Post #1130 Auxiliary. Charles preceded Fern in death on May 17, 2013 following 65 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents; by four brothers, Robert Lewis Heleine, Bernard D. Heleine, John Raymond Heleine, Jr, and Dr. Berton Heleine; by her sister, Betty Lou Lowe; and by her son, Ron Isbell. She is survived by two sons & daughters-in-law, John & Debbie Isbell (Woodstock, IL) and Chris & Teresa Isbell (Lincoln, IL); by her daughter & son-in-law, Kim & Jim Bass (Henderson, NV); by her daughter-in-law, Wendy Isbell (Kings Mountain, NC); by seven grandchildren: Angela Isbell, Trevor Isbell, Amy Lombardo, Jason & Sarah Isbell, Amanda & Heath Gerkin, Melissa Isbell, and Bryan & Holly Isbell; by three step-grandchildren, Erin Cummins, Tracie Moore, and Wayne Conner; by six great-grandchildren: Elijah, Emmit, Easton, Elsa, and Elias Gerkin and Kaylee Isbell; by four step-great-grandchildren, Brette and Eli Cummins, Bryton Moore, and Jordyn Scott; by her brother, Don Heleine (Marshall, IL); as well as several nieces, nephews, and church family. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00–11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 15th at the West Union Christian Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church with Pastor Ken Gillaspy & Robin King officiating. Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery, rural West Union. Memorials may be made to the West Union Christian Church or to the donor’s choice, with envelopes available at the church. The Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of arrangements.