Isabelle Peyton Lorraine Duttlinger

Isabelle Peyton Lorraine Duttlinger, 7, went to be with Jesus on October 7, 2026, at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Born on June 24, 2019, in Anderson, Indiana, to Morgan Duttlinger, Isabelle filled her seven years with love and adoration for her family, but most of all her mama.

Isabelle embodied strength and bravery. Outgoing and smart, she knew what she wanted and was never afraid to speak her mind. Her sprinkle of sass brought smiles to the faces of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her familiar “Um, excuse me” let everyone know she had something to say, delivered with her own special blend of politeness and personality. She had a grateful heart, deeply appreciating the kindness shown to her. Isabelle was truly one of a kind.

Isabelle found joy in life’s simple pleasures, turning everyday outings into grand adventures. She loved raising chickens with her Papaw and taking walks with her mom and their beloved dog, Fiona. Trips to the car wash, grocery store, and park were favorite pastimes that brought a smile to her face. Swimming at Tammy’s and visiting the farm with Aunt Mel were especially treasured, and stops at Sam’s Club, Dairy Queen, Papa Murphy’s, and McDonald’s were always a treat.

Isabelle loved the things that make childhood magical… Barbies, Disney movies, dressing up, and playing with her friends. Halloween and Christmas held a special place in her heart, and she loved singing “Jingle Bells” and joining Pastor John in song. She had a heart for animals of every kind and a dream for her future: when she grew up, she wanted to be an animal “rescuerer,” as she so sweetly called it; a little girl’s big wish to care for the creatures she loved.

Friendships held a special place in Isabelle’s heart. She treasured outings and sleepovers with her best friends, affectionately known as “the girls”: Eden, Dove, Glory, and Mercy Buermann. Though Isabelle attended Kingdom Kids homeschool co-op for only a few weeks, she found new friends who gave her something special to look forward to; the joy of showing up, being welcomed, and simply being a little girl among friends. Isabelle was the kind of friend a mother hopes her children will find: someone who would stand up for them, show them kindness, and accept them wholeheartedly. To be her friend was to know you had someone in your corner and a place in her heart.

In November 2023, Isabelle was diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, or JMML. She underwent two bone marrow transplants and a year of chemotherapy treatments, followed by approximately nine months in remission. Through countless appointments and hospital stays, her unmistakable personality continued to shine. The doctors and nurses who cared for her became patients themselves when Miss Isabelle decided it was their turn for a checkup; a little glimpse of childhood playfulness amid so much hardship. This was a journey no one would have chosen for her, and her family walked beside her with love through every part of it. They hold close the knowledge that Isabelle fought the good fight and finished the race, deeply loved every step of the way.

Cancer was part of Isabelle’s story, but she and her family never let it define who she was. She lived a life full of love and grace, sass and laughter, wishes and dreams. She had friends to play with, animals to love, and adventures to look forward to. Through everything, she remained Isabelle… a little girl with a heart full of childhood excitement and so much love to give.

Her family holds close the words of Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Isabelle is survived by her loving mother, Morgan Duttlinger; her Mamaw and Papaw, Jean and John Duttlinger; Aunt Megan Booker; Uncle Matt; Uncle Luke and Aunt Mel McIntire; Aunt Kayla Duttlinger; Uncle Cameron and Aunt Hailey; cousins Xander, Kellan, Jace, and Holden Wilson; Great Aunt Joni Cockerham; Great Uncle Robert and Great Aunt Brandy; and cousins Austin, Clayton, Brandon, and Grace. She also leaves behind cherished friends and a community who will remember her with love.

She was preceded in death by her sweet great-grandmother, Lula Belle Jenkins.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and Dr. Doug’s entire team; Dr. Bowtie and his entire team; Riley Children’s Hospital and Dr. April’s entire team; Isabelle’s pediatrician, Dr. Jamie Stelzer; and every doctor and nurse who cared for and loved Isabelle throughout her journey. And let us not forget, a very special thank you to Princess Laura, child life specialist at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, for bringing light even in the hard times.

A heart-felt thank you is also extended to Crystal and Cara Karst for the care and joy they brought to Isabelle’s life as her teacher and art buddy; and to Betsy and Madison at Fall Creek Dance Collective, whose kindness and encouragement made her time dancing especially meaningful. To their Cracker Barrel family, thank you for loving Isabelle and her mama so well, for serving her favorite meals, and for making birthdays feel so special. You gave them more than a place to work, eat and celebrate. You gave them a place to feel loved and welcomed, and provided warm memories her family will always hold close.

Visitation will be held on October 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bozell Funeral Home in Pendleton, with the service immediately following. Those attending are invited to wear a splash of pink in honor of Isabelle and her favorite color.

Flowers are welcome. Those who wish may also make a donation through the family’s GoFundMe.

Those who loved Isabelle will carry her with them in the simplest moments… a song at Christmas, an animal that needs a little kindness, a splash of pink. They will remember her grateful heart, her unmistakable sass, and the little voice saying, “Um, excuse me.” Seven years could never have been enough, but every one of them will be cherished always.