Isabelle Virginia Spellman

Isabelle Virginia Spellman, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, died November 19, 2024. She was 93 years old.

Isabelle was born on July 8, 1931, in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of Alouis Theodore and Isabelle Sarah (Flott) Arndt. She married Junior Maitland Spellman on October 1, 1953, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia, Kansas. He died on March 26, 1985.

Isabelle, affectionately known as “Izzy” by family and friends, was known for her daily walks around her neighborhood. She was also an avid gardener and lawn specialist.  She spent many years after Junior died working at JCPenney.  Her early career was spent at Haynes Hardware in downtown Emporia.  She spent the years in between as a homemaker raising her three children.  She enjoyed taking care of her grandkids and their favorite spots were “Grandma’s playground” (Village School) and exploring the Emporia Zoo.

She is survived by sons Gary Spellman, Mead, Colorado; James (Sheri) Spellman, St. Joseph, Missouri; daughter Karen (Rick) Boswell, Bartlesville, Oklahoma; grandchildren Brandon Spellman, Justin (Kristi) Spellman, Jason Boswell (fiancé Morgan Braman), Aubrey Boswell; and great-grandchildren Liam and Jameson Spellman.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews.

Isabelle is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Junior, her brothers Robert “Bud” Arndt Sr., Clarence Arndt, Frank Arndt, and sisters Winifred “Jean” Witherspoon, Ellen Heins, and infant Helen Arndt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo, and sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 1:00PM, at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, 605 State Street, Emporia, Kansas, 66801. The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Roberts-Blue-Barnett. Graveside services will be held at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery following the service.