Isabel C. Kisthart

A memorial graveside service in honor of Robert and Isabel Kisthart will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022, 11 A.M., at Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston with Veteran’s Honors.

Isabel Catherine (MacDonald) Kisthart, 93, passed away in her sleep due to complications from dementia, on January 26, 2021, with her loving husband, Bob, by her side. Isabel was born June 5, 1927, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She spent her early life in Williamsport and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. When she was born, the nurse brought her to her mom saying, "Here's your honey", and with that, Honey became her nickname. She was working at the Mechanicsburg Navy Supply Depot when she met her future husband, Robert Kisthart. Little did she know that only three dates were needed for the handsome Sailor to fall in love with her. On February 22, 1951, Robert proposed in an unusual way. Since Bob was at sea on this important day, he entrusted his father to ask Isabel to marry his son. (The ring Isabel said "yes" to was not the ring Bob chose - his mother and sister chose the ring that Isabel cherished for 69 years). It wasn't until 9 years later that Isabel found out why that date meant so much to Robert; it was on February 22, 1944, that Bob's ship was sunk, losing many shipmates, and he wanted a good memory on that day. Isabel would jokingly say that Bob was sunk twice that day. They were married later that year on December 16, 1951, in a snowstorm. Bob had orders from the Navy to return to California, so after the wedding, they got into his convertible (the top was up) and headed for the West Coast. Isabel had never left her area of Pennsylvania, and this trip started a lifelong love of travel. When the two of them arrived in California they rented a small apartment in Long Beach. Isabel had many fond memories and some wonderful stories of their time in Long Beach. In fact, there is an Associated Press photo that went national of her and her girlfriends playing cards on the beach. After Robert was honorably discharged from the Navy, they started the next chapter of their lives as a family. They lived in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, and Montana. Isabel was always putting her children first. It started in 1967 when she and her sister-in-law, Lola, moved all 4 children across the country, from Maryland to California, in a station wagon for Bob's new job. She would take the children to the beach, mountains, desert, historical sites, and many other new places. Isabel worked as a teacher's aide and was always active in her children's lives. She helped teach Sunday school, was a youth group leader, a den mother for cub scouts, and co-chaired the Ways and Means committee for her children's schools. Isabel and Bob ran the concessions at the high school football games and little league games, and she also served as a scorekeeper. Isabel adored her grandchildren, and she attended all their sports, ballet, and theatre performances. Her grandchildren loved seeing her cheer them on from the sidelines. Isabel was a member of the Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, and a PEO Sister. Isabel was a friend to everyone. To her, once she met you, you were treated like family. She was known as "mom" to more than her immediate family. After retirement in 1988, she and Bob traveled all over the country (always by car) going to class and ship reunions. They were blessed to have visited all 48 contiguous states, a fact that Isabel was very proud of. Isabel was preceded in death by her parents, William and Isabel Irene MacDonald; brother, William MacDonald; sister, Patricia MacDonald Puchalski; and sister in law, Lola Kisthart. Isabel preceded in death her husband of 69 years, Bob (Robert passed January 5, 2022). Isabel is survived by her 4 children; Barbara (Lloyd) Martin, Bob Kisthart, Jeff (Mary) Kisthart, and Bill (Heather) Kisthart; 8 grandchildren, Andrew (Amanda) Martin, Cody (Kia) Kisthart, Ty Kisthart, Molly Kisthart, Larami Kisthart, Brady (Abbi) Kisthart, Sarah Kisthart, and Paesan Kisthart; 4 great-grandchildren, Easton Klimek, Wyatt and Hudson Martin, Collins Kisthart, and #5 arriving in May 2022, Madeline Isabel Martin; as well as dear friends, Kris Walker, Norm Miller, and Glenn Livingston. Mom, AKA Grandma, is missed every day. Her unconditional love, wonderful storytelling, and acceptance of all people was an inspiration. A memorial service is planned for Summer 2022, and further details will be announced.