Isabel Helen Johnson passed away at the Garfield County Health Center in Jordan MT on February 25, 2024, at the age of 99.
Isabel was born in Munich, ND on April 14, 1924. She was the fourth child of Nicholas and Cecilia (Waldorf) Helten joining siblings Eulalia, Richard and Sally. When Isabel was 9 years old, they moved to Dore, ND, later moving into Fairview, MT where her parents worked at the Hotel Albert and the family lived.
Isabel married Dick Corbett in August 1941 when she was a senior in high school and before Dick went off to war. She graduated from Fairview High School with the class of 1942. The following year her sister Nancy was born. Isabel and Dick had two sons, Pat born in 1947 and Mike in 1949. They later divorced.
Isabel was raising her sons in Sidney when she met Bert Johnson. They were married July 2, 1953. Daughter Linda came along in 1955. The family moved to Savage, MT in 1963 so Bert could be closer to his work at the Knife River Coal Mine. In 1964 youngest son Steve was born.
On a spring day in 1967 Bert along with Linda went to Sidney and picked out the house that Mom would live in for over 40 years. She took great pride in her home, beautiful yard, flowers and garden. Dad always said, “you could eat off the floors they were so clean.” And no dandelion stood a chance in her yard! Mom was a very good seamstress and also did monogramming over the years. She sewed many dresses for Linda and western shirts for Dad. It was not strange to come home and find one of our uncles or cousins sitting on a stool in the kitchen getting a haircut from Mom. She was also a wonderful cook; her fried chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy were second to none. And hard as we try no one seems to be able to make her potato salad! When she was baking her homemade buns and cinnamon rolls you could find all her children (and others) sitting around the table enjoying the warm treats in her small kitchen. The kitchen may have been small, but it was where everyone hung out. You could always get a cup of coffee, iced tea or something stronger to drink if so desired. Quite a bit of dancing went on in there also. Mom and Dad both loved to dance. I can still see them waltzing across the dance floor at the Triangle Night Club. When Dad got to the point that he couldn’t breathe very good anymore he would still be on the dance floor with Mom dancing around him. Growing up as a family we spent many hours hunting agates and Mom would always have a good picnic lunch ready when we got hungry.
Dad passed away in 1985. It was at that time that Mom took an Adult Education Driving course and obtained her driver’s license at the age of 61. She loved going for coffee everyday with her friends, eating out and shopping. It was hard to keep up with her when she was in shopping mode! When she was in her 70’s she got talked into taking a painting class in Fairview, MT. Turn’s out she was a very gifted painter. Her favorite pictures to paint were old windmills, barns, wagons and homesteads. And one rooster picture for Linda.
Mom did not like being cooped up in the house. She did a lot of walking at the Sidney Health Center and on the walking paths around town. She was always up for a trip to Billings for shopping or to Texas to visit her sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
In 2010 Mom moved to Crestwood Inn in Sidney and lived there until she started having problems with dementia. She moved to Friendship Villa Nursing Home in Miles City, MT in 2019. When they closed, she moved to Garfield County Health Center in Jordan, MT in December 2022 until her time of death.
Isabel was preceded in death by her husband Bert Johnson, son Mike Corbett and grandson Kelly Corbett. Parents Nick and Cecilia Helten, siblings Eulalia Helten, Richard Helten and Sally Pierce. In-laws Albert and Anna Johnson.
Isabel is survived by her sister Nancy (Dennis) Thomas Williston, ND, Sons: Pat (Connie) Corbett, Steve (Jeanne) Johnson, Mountain Home, TX, daughter: Linda (Montie) McDowell Miles City, MT, daughter-in-law: Pam Corbett Belgrade, MT Grandchildren: Karolyn (Jimmy) Corbett, Mike (Jennifer) Corbett, Joe Corbett, Brooke (Michael) Barcia, Michele (Ryan) Ponessa, Amber (Gary) Rolf, Kayla (Josh) Johnson, Cole Johnson. 11 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Granddaughter, Nieces and Nephews.
A special thank you to all the staff at Garfield County Health Center. Thank you for taking such good care of Mom while she was living there and in her final days and hours. It means so much to us!
Love you Mom
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Friday June 21, 2024
Richland Memorial Park
35352 Co Rd 128
Sidney, MT 59270
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Friday June 21, 2024
Richland Memorial Park
35352 Co Rd 128
Sidney, MT 59270
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Shirley A Rolf says
Sorry for your loss. Enjoy the memories.
Jill Staffanson Thom says
I’m sorry to hear about Isabel. So many great memories as a youngster, especially agate hunting. Always a very nice lady.
Cheryl Tonn says
I am sorry to hear this news. I so enjoyed Isabel at the Villa. She was such a pretty lady. I hope she has been comfortable since her move.
Elizabeth says
Rest in peace Isabel
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Amber and family, prayers for u as u grieve the loss of your Grandmother
Betty Thrams says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are for your family. I have known Isabel since we were in high school I went to school with Linda . Back in the day she would come out to the Regel Eagle and we would visit and talk about all the kids I went to school with Linda, Sue, Susan we all ran together. Isabel was such a sweet beautiful lady and she will be missed.
saar Gretchen says
She sounds like such an amazing woman who loved her family immensely. Sending condolences to everyone for the loss of a women who loved you a lot.
Much love,
Jeremy And Gretchen Saar
Matt Annon says
Sorry for your loss
Lynne Toennis says
We are sorry for your loss . We enjoyed getting to know Isabel.
Lynne Toennis