Roberta Ellen "Bobbie" Bodine

Bobbie was born in Sedalia, Missouri, on December 31st, 1949, to the late, Catherine Ford Shull and Robert “Bob” Shull. She brought, as she always did, a special celebration of the New Year. Bobbie attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Sedalia, Missouri where she met her lifetime love, Tom Bodine. They both graduated in 1967 and later married on June 27, 1970. Bobbie became a lab tech and served at Bothwell Hospital and Cooper County Memorial Hospital in Boonville, Missouri until a long-endured back injury became too much.

Being the gentle heart she was, Bobbie spent a lifetime caring for others who were in need. She nursed both her mother and mother-in-law through serious illnesses and supported her sister-in-law during a difficult birth and recovery.  She nursed her grandmother-in-law until her passing, bringing Agnes much joy. There were many people who needed her caring soul, and she did it well.

In September 1984, Tom and Bobbie received the gift of a long-desired child, Heather, from Catholic Charities. Bobbie loved being a mother and enjoyed every moment. Bobbie’s heart was one of giving of herself. She volunteered for Birthright for many years as a way of giving back for God’s gift of her daughter. There were many of these things she did so selflessly and quietly. Because of her great model, she was chosen to be a godmother and Confirmation sponsor to many of her nieces and nephews. Her conversations were delightful. She was an innate storyteller and could quietly turn some tough experiences into silly anecdotes and humor. Her delivery may have been quiet but the laughter rocked the room.

Her final caretaking job was her love, Tom, whom she took care of for a few years as he was suffering from Parkinson’s and dementia. During this time, she developed kidney failure and required dialysis.  Tom was then transferred to a nursing facility in Bentonville, Arkansas where their daughter, Heather, lived. Bobbie followed to Bentonville in 2018 and visited him daily after dialysis. She never failed to visit him right up until his demise.

After Tom’s death Bobbie continued to live with her daughter and endured dialysis three times a week for 8 years. Finally, the process took its toll, and God called. This faithful servant will have many cheering her on as she appears at the gates.

Bobbie is survived by her daughter, Heather Bodine of the home; her brother, Leroy (Deb) Shull of Kansas City, Missouri and sister, Debra McGirt of Kirksville, Missouri. Other survivors include 2 sisters-in-law, Dawn West (Rick) of Sedalia, Missouri and Michele (Creig) Sterrett of Columbia, Missouri; 3 brothers-in-law, Terry (Dotty) Bodine of Hallsville, Missouri, Tim (Georgina) Bodine of Webb City, Missouri and Chris (Nancy) Bodine of Bentonville; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and dear friends. Services to begin at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville, Arkansas.