Roberta "Bobbie" Starbuck Boeke (1927--2017)

BOEKE, STARBUCK, BURKE, DAY

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 2/4/2017 at 11:10:58

Obituary From Boeke Funeral Homes, Hardin County, Iowa.

Roberta "Bobbie" Starbuck Boeke passed away peacefully on January 19th at the age of 89.

After decades of claiming that she intended to write her own obituary, Mom realized that her failing vision coupled with her well-developed skills in procrastination were not cooperating with her plans, so she shared this information for us to pass along. We really wish she had been able to write these reflections herself because her writing was witty, crackling with dry humor and warmth.... just like her.

Roberta Starbuck Boeke was born August 30, 1927 in Ames, Iowa. The head nurse at her birth was later the same nurse present at the birth of her first two children, a fact that charmed her. Bobbie was raised in Ames, graduated from Ames High School and attended Iowa State College, earning a degree in Home Economics. She did not intend to build a career with the degree, but rather viewed it as prudent in case she ever had to support her family. Both Bobbie and her husband, Bob, believed that the most important job in the world was parenting.

Bobbie and Bob met and married in 1947, and went on to have four children: Lee, Linda, John and Beth. Beth died in infancy, but was always lovingly remembered. Bob's job kept the family moving every three to four years, as he quickly rose in the company. Bobbie enjoyed everywhere they lived and actively engaged with each community. She was a Brownie leader, Sunday School teacher, served Meals on Wheels and was a dedicated member of the Rummage Committee of the Presbyterian Church (or, as she put it, she was a bag lady). In her later years, she demonstrated her concern for creating a better future for others by serving on the Capital Campaign Committee for Green Hills Expansion and working to help Mary Greeley Hospital.

She and Bob traveled to many beautiful and exotic parts of the world, her memory a treasure-trove of stories from her travels. They also frequently road-tripped across the country, visiting far-off friends and relatives to keep their connections strong (and to cheer on Iowa State). For almost forty years they made regular visits to their home on the Mississippi River at McGregor, Iowa. They enjoyed the peace and the beauty of the river, and especially loved the family get-togethers. Their grandchildren Elizabeth, Michael, Erin, Stephanie and Kelsey were the joys of their lives. And in recent years, Bobbie welcomed her first great grandchild, Kylie! She loved hiking in the hills, cruising through the river sloughs, observing the birds at her feeders, and watching the children and dogs find countless ways of playing in the river.

Bobbie was a gentle and positive person, with a sparkly imagination, creative flair, quick wit, and a deep love of nature, art, and most of all, her family and friends. She also felt a deep connection to the many dogs, cats, and other animals in her life. Inevitably, people who met her were impressed by her kindness and gratitude for life's blessings. She was strong through many adversities and was happiest when she could support the people she cared most about.

A couple weeks before Mom died, when asked how she most wanted to be remembered, she didn't have to think twice. She asks that you remember her as a person who loved and cared for those around her.

Always in our hearts: Lee (John Burke) Boeke Burke, Linda (Wayne Day) Boeke Day, John (Kim Corieri) Boeke; grandchildren: Elizabeth Boeke, Michael Boeke Day, Erin Boeke Burke, Stephanie Boeke Day, Kelsey Boeke Burke; great-grandchild: Kylie Boeke

Service
Saturday 4 Feb 11:00 AM
Collegiate Presbyterian Church
159 Sheldon Ave
Ames, Iowa 50014

Cemetery Details
Location
Hubbard Cemetery
S Wisconsin St
Hubbard, Iowa 50122

http://boekefuneralhomes.com/
 

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