Isabelle May “Belle” Whipple went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, at her home in Snowflake surrounded by family. She was 86 years old. Belle was born on Nov. 11, 1935, in Cleveland, Franklin County, Ohio to her parents, the late Lowell B. “Tommy” and Edna May (Miller) Thompson. Belle enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, painting, reading and going for Sunday drives with the love of her life, Sam. She had many careers throughout her life but the ones she enjoyed the most were real estate, working with special needs students at the Snowflake School District and bookkeeping for La Casita Cafe in Show Low. Belle was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her unconditional love and infectious spirit will be missed by all who knew her. With a voice full of gentle love, she always encouraged everyone to “Have a blessed day.” Belle is survived by her brother, Ralph Ensminger of Mooresville, N.C.; her children, Nancy and Dennis Smith of Fountain Hills, Raynae and Ken Roberts of Vail, Randall and Glenda Whipple of Vernon, Melody and Tom Judd of Show Low, Lucinda and Thomas Thomas of Pinetop, Kayren and James Stevenson of Florence, and Norissa Lopez of Cave Creek; 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Along with her parents, Belle was preceded in death by the love of her life, Norise “Sam” Whipple in 2015. The funeral service for Belle will begin 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Owens Livingston Mortuary – White Mountain Chapel, located at 320 N. 9th St. in Show Low. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Show Low Cemetery. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Snowflake handled the arrangements.
