Isabelle Nuckolls

Isabelle Nuckolls, 96, passed away surrounded by her family on Mar. 24 at the Greene County Long Term Care Facility in Jefferson.

Isabella was the daughter of S. Elias and Clara (Thompson) Moats and was born November 29, 1917 in Grundy County.  Isabelle attended and graduated from the Conrad High School in 1935 and later attended the Marshalltown Business College; graduating in 1937. After college, Isabelle worked for the Marshall County Engineer’s office where she met Denver Nuckolls. On November 10, 1940, Dorothy Isabelle Moats was united in marriage to Denver L. Nuckolls at her parent’s home in Grundy County. Three daughters were born to this union; Janine Birch of Paton, Janet Sabus of Jefferson and Jennifer Hoyt (Chuck) of Creston. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Paton where Denver managed the Paton office of the Home State Bank. During the time Denver was serving in WWII, Isabelle served as manager of the bank from 1942 to 1945. Upon Denver’s discharge from the service, he returned to the bank and in 1951, the family moved to Stratford. They returned to Paton in 1963 and Denver served as President of the Community State Bank until his death in 1986. Isabelle worked at the bank from 1970 and became President of the bank in 1986 following Denver’s death.   

Isabelle was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Paton and of the U.M.W. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and Greene County Historical Society and a past member of Order of Eastern Star and Greene County Arts Council. Isabelle received the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 1995, being nominated by the Paton-Churdan School. As an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Isabelle was instrumental in developing the “Avenue of Flags” in the Paton Township Cemetery. She was also bestowed a “Friends of 4-H” Award. Never wanting accolades for her generosity, she always gave wherever there was a need in Paton, Greene County and all of the surrounding area.

Isabelle is survived by her three daughters, five grandchildren; Jennifer Hoskins (Korey) of Ogden, Brian Happe (Jana) of Cherokee, Mike Happe (Nikki) of Jefferson, Aaron Hoyt (Lindsay) of Hoboken, N.J. and Ryan Hoyt (Jennifer) of Creston and twelve great-grandchildren; Tyler Happe, Kody, Kacie, Denver & Quintin Hoskins, Jaylee and Colton Happe, Jaislynn Baugh, Mason, Elyssa, & Wilson Happe and Cameron Hoyt, a sister-in-law, Betty Phillips and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers; Edgar and Glen Moats, a sister, Cecel Ferguson and son-in-law, David Birch.

A celebration of Isabelle’s life was held Mar. 31 at 10:30 a.m. from the Salem United Methodist Church in Paton with Rev David Arulnathan officiating. Musical selections at the service were “How Great Thou Art” sung by the congregation and accompanied by organist, Janice Tilley and “He Touched Me” and “Fill My Cup, Lord” sung by soloist, Doyle Carlson and accompanied by pianist, Danille Curtis. Burial was made at the Paton Township Cemetery. Serving as casket bearers were Jennifer Hoskins, Brian Happe, Mike Happe, Aaron Hoyt, Ryan Hoyt and Tyler Happe. Honorary bearers were Community State Bank Directors and employees. Brown Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. 515-386-4125 www.brownfuneralhomesiowa.com