Isabel Mae Dillon

Isabel Dillon, 92, was born to Martha and Fred Kerr on September 13, 1932 in Titusville, PA. The oldest of seven children, Isabel grew up in Enterprise and attended school in Titusville. In the winter of her sophomore year, she met her “cowboy”, Paul Dillon. She and Paul were married June 16, 1951, just 3 weeks after Isabel graduated high school. Paul was in the Navy stationed in Norfolk, VA. Isabel joined him there; thus began their 68 years of married life.

Together They Built a Life They Loved

Isabel was mom to 4 children; Rebecca, born while Paul was still in the Navy, Scott, born in Pennsylvania while Paul was attending college, Jeff, born in Colorado during Paul's first teaching job and Alan born in Arizona while Paul was obtaining his Master’s degree at Arizona State University. Isabel was always ready to pack up the family and follow Paul on his many adventures and dreams throughout the west and made every place they lived into a home.

For Isabel one of the early highlights of their western adventures was teaching at the Happiness School in Nucla. She taught for three years and always remembered it fondly. One of Isabel's greatest joys was music and she loved to sing. When they moved to Plateau Valley in 1971, she was quick to join The Crystal Crackers, a group of women that sang regularly throughout the valley. Many of these women became lifelong friends to Isabel. While at Plateau Valley she was also active in The Cattlewomen’s Association, and told many tales of the work they did. This included a trip to see the governor of Colorado, of which she was always very proud.

First and foremost, Iz was a wife and mother (and later a Grandmother and great Grandmother), she was extremely proud and protective of her family. Paul may have been the dreamer, but SHE was the doer! She got things done, whether it was moving across the country while pregnant, rebuilding and remodeling houses, or making sure her kids got to sporting events, music events and school dances. She loved making Becky shirts to wear in the rodeo and hauled her all over Western Colorado to compete. She watched the boys in their various sporting events and was their biggest cheerleader. She made sure they got to music and swimming lessons, and above all made sure her kids always gave it their best in whatever they did. She carried this on with her grandkids, attending ballet recitals, school plays, football games and countless wrestling tournaments and more. She even cheered for several great grandchildren in the last few years.

Isabel worked alongside Paul on the ranches they owned: Maybell, Colorado, (1959-62) Plateau Valley, Colorado (1971-83) and finally at Blue Creek Ranch Gateway, Colorado (1983-99).

The years after ranching were filled with RVing adventures and making new friends and memories. One of her favorite activities while living the RV life was the “Jam sessions” the parks would hold where Isabel was a regular participant. Her love for singing and her lovely voice will be a lasting memory for many of us. Paul and Isabel made multiple trips to Alaska and several back east before settling back down in Redvale, next to Bruce Kerr, Isabel's youngest brother. Those were good years and it made Iz happy to live by Bruce.

Isabel's final years were spent in Delta, first with Paul, where they played cards weekly and squared danced as often as she could drag Paul out. By the time Paul passed in 2019, Isabel had begun her journey with dementia, eventually being diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2022. The family cared for her at home until December 2024 when she was placed in Willow Tree Care Center. We would like to thank the staff at Comfort Keepers, Willow Tree and Hopewest Hospice for their loving care of our Mom throughout this difficult time.

All Because Two People Fell in Love

Blessings come to all who are loved and Isabel was surrounded by love. Isabel is survived by her daughter Becky and Ray Lyons and sons, Scott and Debbie, Jeff and Patti, Alan and Rhonda. Her brother, Bruce and Lynda Kerr and sister-in-law Julie Kerr Fuller. Sixteen grandchildren and spouses, 36 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

Isabel was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Paul, her sisters, Pauline Smith, Annetta Sabad, Dorothy Burns, brother John Kerr, and grandson Jared Dillon.

A celebration of her wonderful life will be held July 5, 2025 in Delta. Donations may be made to Hopewest in her memory.

Taylor Funeral Service of Delta is in charge of the arrangements.