There was widespread sadness following the death of Mrs. Isobel Knox, late of Tattykeel Kesh, on December 17, 2020.

Isobel was born in the townland of Polfore, Dromore on June 27, 1929. She was the third eldest of 11 children to Fanny Jane and James Gilmore. She grew up on the family farm and helped with the daily chores, she attended Curley school outside Dromore.

When she left school she continued to work at home until at the age of 16 she came to reside at Tattykeel, Kesh with Herbert Gilmore in December 1945 and helped to nurse his sister and look after his house.

It was during her time at Tattykeel that Isobel met her future husband Bertie Knox, a local builder/contractor and farmer from Tullynagin Ederney.

They married in August 1963 and made their home at Tedd Cross, Irvinestown. They had two children, Ashley and Viola. Isobel helped out on the family farm and looked after the stock when her husband was away building. She also looked after her elderly parents in law until they died and in January 1976 moved back to Tattykeel to look after Herbert Gilmore and purchased the dwelling and farm there.

Isobel was a keen gardener and twice won the wayside garden competition organised by the Lady of the Lake Festival in Irvinestown during the mid 90s. She also loved to cook and bake and took great pride in her house and its surroundings.

Isobel enjoyed socialising and visiting her many friends and neighbours in the area. She enjoyed attending concerts and attending Ardess Historical society meetings. She was a member of the Kesh Evergreens Senior Citizens Club a member of Ardess Parish Church.

Isobel was predeceased by her husband Bertie on March 13, 1987, leaving her a young widow. She continued to help her son Ashley on their family farm. Her daughter Viola married Cyril Loane and they had six children. Isobel was always faithful in childminding duties and enjoyed many happy occasions with her family. She was always there to give timely advice to the grandchildren.

Isobel had celebrated her 91st birthday last June and enjoyed good health apart from mobility issues. She passed away in South West Acute Hospital on December 17 after a very short illness.

She was predeceased by her brothers William and James and sister Mary Vance. She leaves behind brothers Tommy, Harold, Bob and George and sisters Lilly Ewing, Jean Davis and Noelle Wilson.

Isobel is survived by her son Ashley, daughter Viola, son in law Cyril and grandchildren Aaron (Charlene), Jamie, Amy, Matthew, Mark and Ben.

Isobel’s funeral service was held at Ardess Parish Church and she was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Funeral arrangements were by George McFarland funeral director. Donations in lieu of flowers were divided between Ardess Parish Church and Kesh Evergreens Senior Citizens Club.