Roberta "Bobbie" Kathryn Van Fleet

Born on October 5, 1941, in San Diego, California, Bobbie built a long and respected career in the insurance industry, where her straightforward approach and quick wit were as much a part of her success as her hard work. She married the love of her life, Richard Van Fleet, in 1989, and together they shared 36 years of marriage filled with travel and treasured memories.

Bobbie was the proud mother of three daughters: Marcy, Dana and Cindy whom she loved deeply and always wanted to keep them close by.

To her 12 grandchildren, she was simply “Mawmaw,” a title she wore proudly. They, and anyone else within earshot, grew up hearing her signature phrases, like “for crying in a bucket” and the unforgettable warning, “don’t hold hands or you’ll get pregnant.” She could be cantankerous, charming, and unforgettable, leaving a mark on everyone who knew her.

Bobbie was also one of the toughest fighters you could ever meet. She faced down cancer not once, not twice, but four separate times, each battle met with the same grit and stubborn determination that defined her life. She was determined to stay here as long as possible for the people she loved, and she did exactly that.

She lived life without filters, without pretense, and without worrying what anyone thought; a quality that, in hindsight, might have been her greatest gift.

Bobbie is survived by her husband, Richard; daughters Marcy, Dana and her husband Chris, and Cindy and her husband Chris; stepchildren Dana, Mari and Rick and their spouses; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of friends and family who will forever cherish, and chuckle at, her memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manna Worldwide in her memory. The family invites you to share your favorite “Bobbie story” and remember her exactly as she was: bold, funny, strong, and impossible to forget.