Isabel Modica, 82, of Russell, Kansas died on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Hays Medical Center.  She was born on November 30, 1926 in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Henry, Sr. and Susanna Elizabeth (Schimpf) Kerbs.

She grew up in Russell and attended Russell Public Schools.  She met and fell in love with Joe Modica and they were united in marriage on April 2, 1944 in Russell.  From this union they were blessed with a daughter Susan.  Isabel worked as a bookkeeper for 31 years, working for Duckwalls, TG&Y and Pamida retail stores until she retired at age 64 in 1991.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell and the American Legion Auxiliary.  She enjoyed cooking, quilting, working outside, ceramics, crafts, watching KU Basketball and KC Royals Baseball.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and taking care of the three men in her life, her father, husband and she especially enjoyed loving and caring for her Grandson Joe.  

Surviving family include her daughter Susan Brown and husband Charles of Great Bend, Kansas and Grandson Joe Brown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Joe on June 6, 1978; sisters Mollie McQuaid and Racheal Ernst, brothers Henry Kerbs, Jr. and infant twin brother Fred Paul Kerbs.

A Graveside Celebration of Isabel’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell with burial to follow.  Pastor Roger Dennis will be officiating the service.  Guest book registration will be 10 AM to 5 PM on Friday, May 22, 2009 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Cemetery Fund and may be sent to the mortuary.  Condolences may be sent via email by going to www.pvpmortuary.com.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the arrangements.