Isabelle McCandless

Isabelle McCandless age 91 formerly of Merna, NE passed away August 6, 2024, at the Brookestone View in Broken Bow.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo, NE with Father Jim Hunt celebrant. The burial will follow in the Arnold Cemetery at Arnold, NE. A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 11th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, then from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo. A Rosary will take place at 6:00 PM at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Words of remembrance may be left at www.govierbrothers.com. 

Isabelle Kathryn McCandless was born November 30, 1932, at home, south of Arnold Ne, to Oscar and Mary (Thinnes) Brestel. She grew up with her 5 brothers and attended country school at Pine Canyon and Spring Creek, graduating from Callaway High School in 1950. 

She attended Nebraska Teachers College at Kearney and taught at several country schools. While staying with host family Roy and Ruby McCandless and teaching at Pleasant Hill School, she met their son, Billy McCandless, who often helped her grade papers. They were married on December 28, 1955. To this union 6 daughters were born.

They moved to Ortello Valley where they farmed until Billy’s tragic death in an airplane accident while hunting on December 4, 1966. Isabelle continued to milk cows, raise chickens, and tend to a garden. In the fall of 1971, the family moved to Merna, where she worked at Anselmo-Merna High School until her retirement in 1996. Isabelle raised all 6 girls on her own with the help of her family and her faith.

Isabelle was involved in Catholic Daughters and Altar Society, Sewing for Babies and Quilts of Valor. She volunteered with Hospice and the Broken Bow Hospital Rummage Sale. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting and sewing and her beautiful work will continue to be enjoyed by so many. Isabelle enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and was a wonderful piano player.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Billy, his parents, Roy and Ruby; brothers, Bob, Gene and Roger Brestel, sister Elizabeth Mae Brestel; Grandson Cole Arnold and Great Granddaughter Leyna Gilligan. Also preceding her were sisters-in-law Mary Jane Brestel and Darla Brestel, brothers-in-law, Eldon, Nick and Terry Troy McCandless.

She is survived by her loving daughters BJ (Rod) Baxter, Pamela (Ben) Gilligan, Louise (Tyke) Arnold, Cynthia (Paul) Christen, Julie (Jerry) McCaslin and Peggy (Jeff) Steele. Also surviving Isabelle are brothers, Ken Brestel, Dick (Nadine) Brestel, sisters-in-law Joyce Brestel, Shirley Brestel, Connie McCandless and Joleen Stewart. Isabelle is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren, 24 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Isabelle’s home was always filled with joy, humor, great food, sewing and sports. She enjoyed every moment and took life as it came. Her hugs were calming, reassuring and tight. Think of her laugh and smile when you hear a great joke or a kind quote and if you catch a great baseball, football or volleyball game or watch an old movie. Isabelle touched the lives of hundreds who feel honored to have known her. Her faith, love, strength, courage and the legacy she leaves behind is unforgettable. Remember all of the little things that made Isabelle one-of-a-kind, and she’ll live on as we do.