Isabelle Schroeder

Isabelle Schroeder, 87, of Lolo passed away Friday, April 24, 2009 at Hamilton, Montana from complications of Alzheimer's disease. She was born August 16, 1921 at Florence, the youngest of fifteen children born to John and Mary (Warner) Bentham.
Isabelle was raised in Lolo, and in 1944, she married David Schroeder. During WWII, they worked as welders in the Tacoma, Washington shipyards. She excelled and was the only woman on her shift to be certified for overhead welding. After the war, they returned home to the Bitterroot Valley to ranch on the family place south of Lolo. Isabelle was a loving mother, and together she and Dave raised six children. She enjoyed gardening and was a wonderful cook. Isabelle's kitchen was a warm and welcoming place, day or night and, the coffee was always on. Cherished memories include the aroma of bread baking and pies and canned produce cooling on the counter. She loved family picnics at the ranch on the banks of the Bitterroot River and at Lolo Hot Springs. Many hours were spent reading to a grandchild on her lap and playing catch and soccer in the front yard. At the age of sixty, Isabelle took up cross country skiing and golf. She loved to walk the loop around the lake in Lolo with friends, swim at a fitness center in Missoula, and times spent with Dave, Mark, Jenny, Woody, and Gracie fishing and camping at area lakes. She was a member of Montana Cowbelles, the Lolo Community Church and served as an Election Judge for many years.
Isabelle is survived by brother Woody Bentham (Gracie), Lolo, sister-in-law Jenny Bentham, Lolo, children Peggy Carmack (Wayne) Colorado Springs, Colorado; Pat Potter, Issaquah, Washington; Diane Hutchinson (Michael Bosh), Pocatello, Idaho; Bob Schroeder (Joyce) Florence; Jim Schroeder (Sharon), Stevensville; and Sue Smith (Steve Fullerton), Hamilton; grandchildren Scott, Brian, Tracy, David, Jennifer, Michael, Erik, Josh, Will, Clay, Shelby, Colter, Tyler, Jake, Brad and R. Scott: 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and her husband Dave.
Isabelle's family would like to thank the staff at Valley View Estates for their loving care and compassion.
Memorials may be made to Lolo Community Church, 11897 Lewis and Clark Drive, Lolo, Montana, 59847 or Alzheimer's Association - Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Ave North Billings MT 59101.