Isabelle M. Tesdall

Isabelle M. Tesdall, 92, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away on May 19, 2016 at Highlands Healthcare and Rehab. She was born on July 4, 1923, in Spokane, Wash., to Teresa M. and Archibald G. McNeely. She was the second of five children. Isabelle grew up in Cowiche, Wash., graduating from high school in 1941. She entered Whitworth College and graduated with a B.S. degree in home economics in the spring of 1945. While working as a long distance telephone operator in Pueblo, Colo., she met Leslie J. Tesdall, Jr., a World War II veteran, and they were married on May 27, 1950. They moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and three children were born: Les III, Laura, and Allen. Isabelle earned her teacher accreditation at Drake University and began a career as an elementary school teacher. She taught first, second, third, and fifth grades in public schools in Des Moines, and later, in Fairfax, Va. (second grade was her favorite). She moved with her husband Les from Fairfax to Bella Vista in 1978, and cared for him until he passed away a few years later. Isabelle loved her family, her church, and little dogs. She found great enjoyment in gardening, especially raising roses and orchids. She was a member of the Bella Vista Garden Club, the Bella Vista Photography Club and the Audubon Society. She stayed busy in her retirement, with part-time jobs at Concordia and Wal-Mart. She is survived by her children Les (wife JoAnn), Laura, and Allen (wife Becky), two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Isabelle was dearly loved by her family, and she will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Bella Vista Community Church. On-line condolences may be made through Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory at www.funeralmation.com.