BILLINGS, Mont. — Dolores R. Isern, 85, of Billings, Mont., died on Jan. 23, 2013, in Billings. Beloved granny, mother and great grandmother, she was the matriarch of a family who will miss her dearly. She was born Feb. 19, 1927, in Denton, Texas, to Beatrice and Henry Rondeau. She was the youngest of three children and outlived both her siblings, Henri and Hautesse. Growing up in Great Bend, her closest relationship was with her grandfather C. D. Spaugh, whom she lovingly called “Daddy.”
After Dolores married Dick Isern, of Ellinwood, the family moved to Billings, where she raised her three children, Candy, Eric, and Kurt. She worked for the City Hall Engineering Department and later at Burlington Resources. She developed a deep love for the state of Montana and was incredibly hard-working, strong-willed and fiercely independent.
After the birth of her four grandchildren, Dolores became known as ‘Granny’ to all. She took immense pride in her children and grandchildren, seeing them as her greatest accomplishment, and lived to meet her first great grandson, Mason, as well.
Her favorite passions in life were card games, world travel and food. An avid bridge player, she made many dear and lasting friendships around the card table. Her many international trips fostered a deep appreciation of culture and history, and her wanderlust is shared by her progeny. She was a sassy spitfire and lives indelibly in the hearts of her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by daughter Candace DeBar (Dan DeBar) of Billings; son Eric Isern (Nancy Isern) of Kennewick, Wash.; son Kurt Isern of Cantwell, Alaska. She is also survived by granddaughters Lauren Anderson and Heidi Isern of San Francisco, Calif.; granddaughter Maggie Winters (Deke Winters) of Billings; and grandson Hans Isern (Lily Chen-Isern) of Alameda, Calif.
Much gratitude and warmest wishes go to the staff and residents of Langemo Cottage who became dear friends in the last years of her life. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her honor to Langemo Cottage on St. John’s Campus, 2429 Mission Way, Billings, MT.
A celebration of her life was held in Billings on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013.

Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Feb. 13, 2013**