Isabel Bly (Bond) Bond

Isabel Bly Bond went to her heavenly resting place on Friday, August 18, 2023, surrounded by family. Born January 4, 1939 in Clayton, New Mexico to H. Bate. Bond, Jr. and Isabel (Mathews) Bond. Isabel led a life filled with service to her country and community.

Isabel spent many years growing up in Texas Hill Country. Summers were always spent with dear cousins at Pleasure Hill in Ingram, Texas. A place where she spent many years swimming in the Guadalupe River. She left Texas when she volunteered for the USMC. She spent seven years serving her country, first at Camp Lejeune and then at MCRD San Diego. She was very proud of her time in the Marine Corps and was a Lifetime Member of the Women Marines Association (WMA) and longtime member of the American Legion. For many years, Isabel served as the treasurer of WMA Motor City MI-2. She was able to attend multiple WMA conventions, many of which she was accompanied by her daughter Gail. Although Gail was a U.S. Navy veteran, Isabel allowed her to experience the “real” military women of the USMC with whom she made many lifelong friends-Semper- Fi. After enjoying her retirement and spending years living throughout the US, she returned to Michigan and lived her last years with Gail and John in Battle Creek. Texas was and will always be “home” to Isabel.

Isabel was married in San Diego and that marriage resulted in three children of whom she was very proud: I. Bly Pardo of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Gail (John) Rouscher of Battle Creek and L. David (Angie Paschall) Gravel of Clinton Township, Michigan. She moved to Michigan with her family in 1968. Isabel spent many years as a homemaker and had a very large garden and eventually earned a Master Gardener certificate. She canned many of the items that were eaten throughout the year- most came from her garden and baked all of the bread for the family. She loved to cook and experiment with new recipes. Of the many delicious items she cooked in her experiment phase, there was the almighty fail that was always laughed about, cold cucumber soup-even she wouldn’t eat it.

After the children were raised, Isabel went to work at nursing homes, working her way through school to become an LPN. She earned her LPN and was very proud to continue her nursing home career taking care of those that deserved compassion and companionship. Isabel used that compassion to serve her spiritual side as well. She was very involved in the Episcopal Church and had many church homes throughout the years. She served with prison ministry’s and often took in those who needed a hand-up. She was willing to share all she had with those who needed assistance. As a lifetime member of the Episcopal church, she was an acolyte, lay reader, and served in multiple roles within the church throughout her lifetime. Isabel was always willing to help others and share what she was blessed with so others may prosper. Not only did Isabel have compassion for people, but Isabel also had a love for animals and had many furry family members throughout the years. A special pet was Daisy.

Isabel was preceded in death by her parents, her brother H. Bate Bond, III and extended family. In addition to her children, she is survived by her grandsons, Craig (Jeanette) Pardo of Grosse Pointe, Michigan Ian (Jennifer) Buchholz of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Brandon (Renee) Buchholz of Battle Creek, Michigan and two great grandchildren, Giana Pardo and Leo Buchholz, dearest friend Sandra Aures and extended family. Isabel had numerous special friends, many of whom she spent many years traveling with. Isabel cherished her family and friends and made memories that will last a lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Isabel’s memory can be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan (2500 Watkins Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49015) or the WMA Motor City MI2 Chapter of the Women Marines Association (c/o Adrianne McLarahmore, 1922 W. 12 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073).

Visitation for Isabel will take place on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 9:30 -11:00 am at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW Battle Creek, Michigan 49015. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Pastor Julie Elmore officiating.

Burial will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan at a later date.

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.