Bobbie Jean Oberhelman

Bobbie was born on January 11, 1938 in Maysville, Kentucky. She was the oldest of four children and the daughter of Virginia and Vince Abatico. She moved to Cincinnati as a teenager and attended Western Hills High School through her junior year. As a senior, Bobbie attended Boone County High School in Northern Kentucky and won the Ms. Boone County Beauty Pageant. It is here where Bobbie would meet the love of her life, Kenneth “Ken” Carl Oberhelman. Bobbie and Ken married in 1961 and were married for 40 years until Ken’s passing on October 3rd, 2001. They were blessed with their only child, Amy Linn, who was born in 1970. Bobbie was fortunate to have two careers: Executive Secretary to the President of Western Southern/Midland Company and Co-Operator of the family fishing lakes – Chaps Lake. Bobbie was grateful for these life experiences and shared many stories with family and friends about the people she met along the way. After Ken’s passing, she moved to Chicago to be with Amy, John and her grandchildren. She was able to attend all her grandchildren’s sports activities, birthday parties and holidays. She made wonderful memories and loved them dearly.

In addition to her family, Bobbie had 3 loves: animals, shopping and cooking. Bobbie loved all animals and especially her dogs. She had several breeds during her life but the clear favorite was Rupert, a boxer, who she saved from a neglected home. He was her best friend and went everywhere with her. Bobbie loved to shop, in stores and online late night. She always found great deals and was dressed to the nines whenever she went out. After a long day of shopping, Bobbie loved to stop by Culvers for a fish sandwich with Amy. Bobbie was a great cook and shared many fond memories of cooking with her family as a child and carried this passion into her married life and for her grandchildren.

Bobbie is survived by Amy Zern (daughter), John Zern (son in law); beloved grandchildren, John Macgregor, Grace Caroline, Elizabeth Darby, her two sisters Jerri Bush, and Faye Ante (Ron Ante), her sister in law (Diane), brother in law (Ervan) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thanks All Seasons in Naples and AVOW Hospice for the loving care and support they provided Bobbie and the family over the past year.

Bobbie will be cremated and a private ceremony will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to PAWS Chicago: pawschicago.org/how-to-help/donate.

Thank you for your prayers.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Oberhelman family.