Isabelle Ennis Gleason

Isabelle Ennis Gleason

January 28, 1930 – May 3, 2026

Isabelle Ennis Gleason, 96, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Bonney Lake, Washington on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Isabelle was born January 28, 1930, to Gladys and Lavoid Musser in Orofino, Idaho — the youngest of five children. She grew up on a farm on Gilbert Ridge, outside Orofino, and graduated from Nez Perce High School.

On Christmas Eve, 1947, she married Vilas Gleason of Orofino, beginning a partnership that would take them across the country and back. The couple lived in Moscow, Idaho before moving to Washington, where Jada was born in 1955, Deena in 1956, and Bruce in 1959. In 1960 the family moved to Merritt Island, Florida, where Vilas worked on the space program at Cape Canaveral, and where their daughters graduated from high school. Afterward, Isabelle, Vilas, and Bruce moved to Palmdale, California, where Bruce graduated. Isabelle and Vilas then made their way back to Washington, retiring to Orting. Vilas passed away in 1997, and Isabelle remained there for several more decades.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vilas Gleason; her parents, Lavoid and Gladys Musser; her siblings, Francis, Lee, Fay, and Leona; and most recently, her son-in-law, Larry Helgeson. She is survived by her daughters Jada Helgeson of Orting and Deena Gleason of Carbonado; her son Bruce Gleason of Olympia; grandchildren Heidi Helgeson, Eric Helgeson, Amber Houghland, and Alissa Allen; and great-grandchildren Quintyn, Trentyn, Madison, and Ava.

Isabelle lived authentically, with kindness and generosity guiding the way. She had a gift for showing up for each of her children and grandchildren uniquely, opening her home and her heart to each of them. Her handmade crocheted afghans, crafted with love for every member of the family, are a lasting reminder of her care. Her influence ripples through three generations, present in the quiet ways she made each person feel seen. Her absence will be deeply felt, and her memory dearly cherished.

A viewing will be held Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Curnow Funeral Home in Sumner, Washington. A graveside service will follow on Monday, May 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Woodbine Cemetery in Puyallup, Washington, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.