Vandean Isler

Vandean Isler, 93, longtime Grady resident, passed away at her home on June 1, 2026.

Born on January 25, 1933, in Forrest, New Mexico, to the home of Van and Celeste (Buttram) McCutchen. She grew up in the community of Forrest, graduating with the Class of 1951 before continuing her education at Eastern New Mexico University, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Education.

On December 17, 1950, Vandean married the love of her life, James Isler, in Clovis, New Mexico. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and hard work on the family farm in Wheatland, where they raised their four children: Stacy, Pam, JoBeth, and JD.

For 34 years, Vandean taught at Grady Municipal Schools, where she became far more than a teacher. She was a mentor, encourager, caretaker, and steady presence in the lives of countless students.

Jesus Christ was reflected in the way Vandean lived each day. As a faithful member of Grady Baptist Church, she spent her life loving people well and serving wherever she was needed.

She was known for cheering faithfully from the stands at countless ballgames, and opening her home to anyone who needed comfort or care. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly knew her as “Bibby,” a name that became synonymous with unconditional love, warmth, laughter, and spunk. She was rarely without her signature thumbs up in photographs an unforgettable symbol of the optimism and joy she always had. She enjoyed reading, sewing, bowling league nights, and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. Bibby loved the New York Yankees especially Derek Jeter and her self proclaimed grandson Aaron Judge.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Van and Celeste (Buttram) McCutchen; her beloved husband, James G. Isler; her son, Jerry Dean “JD” Isler; her daughter, Pam Richards; and sons-in-law, Lecil Richards and Mike West.

She is survived by two daughters: Stacy West of Fort Sumner, JoBeth (Kern) Horner of San Angelo, TX, daughter-in-law Robin Isler of Clovis, NM, 11 grandchildren: Cody (Lindsay) West, Casey (Olivia) West, Curt (Tanra) West, Jerrett (Mel) Richards, Jace (Audra) Richards, Jaben (Savannah) Richards, Cami (Micah) Mariano, Kael (Amber) Chambers, Jaden (Morgan) Isler, Jadee (Alex) Marquez, and Jacee Herl; 22 great grandchildren Kolter (Marla) Lewis, Johni West, Keeli West, Creed West, Gavin West, Aspyn West, Alice West, Raden Richards, Ruby Richards, Ryder Richards, Roxie Richards, Seth Marino, Adien Marino, Grayson Marino, Hayes Marino, Jax Chambers, Santi Rebolledo, Alyssa Santos, Ashton Isler, Brynn Isler, Mia Marquez, Ava Marquez, Bella Marquez, and Rowen Herl, and 3 great great grandchildren Harper, Klara, and Josie Lewis. Also surviving is her beloved fat cat Tito, whom she loved the most, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Memorial contributions in Vandean's honor can be made to Grady High School Athletics.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Wheatland Cemetery, Quay County Rd 45, Wheatland, New Mexico per Vandean's wishes. A reception to follow at Allen Hall, 200 Main St, Grady, New Mexico.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM (575) 355-2311.