Bobbie J Gilbert (Turner)

Bobbie J. Gilbert, 91 passed away peacefully on December 11, 2018 at Brookdale Sunrise Creek Memory Care Unit. Bobbie’s perseverance was admirable her entire life after having polio as a child, seven back surgeries and later Alzheimer’s.  Her faith, friendships and love for her family kept her strong.  Bobbie was a loving and devoted wife, mother and ” Nana” as her four grandchildren affectionately called her.

Bobbie was born June 22, 1927 in Red Oak, Oklahoma to Arlie & Dewey Turner.  When she was 12, along with her 2 sisters, the family moved to Fresno, CA and then later moved to Richmond, CA where Bobbie graduated high school.

Bobbie met her future husband, “Jim” Gilbert, in Richmond, CA. Bobbie was a secretary and Jim became an electrician after serving 4 years in the US Army Air Corps.  Jim was persuaded by a co-worker to change the light bulb above Bobbie’s desk and it was love at first ” light “.   Bobbie married Jim, the love of her life, on February 1, 1947 and were married for 68 beautiful years until Jim’s passing in 2015.

Bobbie and Jim moved to Santa Cruz, CA. where they raised their children, Steve and Carol, and owned and operated an electrical contracting company.

Bobbie and Jim’s life was centered around family.  Their son Steve followed in his father’s footsteps as an electrician after serving in the Navy and daughter, Carol, became an RN and has worked at Montrose Memorial Hospital for the past 36 years.  Bobbie worked for the University of California at Santa Cruz where she was the secretary for the Astronomy Department. The skies, meeting the Astronomers and visiting Lick Observatory fascinated Bobbie. Bobbie and Jim were sports enthusiasts enjoying baseball, football, golf and soccer and were the biggest fans at their grandchildren’s games. The fondest memories was taking the family camping, boating and waterskiing all summer long.  Bobbie worked right alongside her husband building their homes and daughter and son-in-law’s log home. Bobbie of course had her own hammer and toolbelt.

Bobbie and Jim enjoyed living in different golfing communities in the Sierras, Tucson, AZ and then Colorado to be near family. Cobble Creek in Montrose became their permanent home.   Besides helping Jim with his many woodworking projects, Bobbie loved to make her awesome homemade brownies that neighbors always looked forward to. Bobbie enjoyed golfing, reading, ceramics, painting, sewing and cooking.  Their full life together included travels to Alaska and Europe but home with family and friends, especially in Cobble Creek, was what Bobbie valued the most.

Those grateful and blessed to be a part of Bobbie’s life include her sisters Sunny Fleshmann, Patti (David) Dickinson of Santa Maria, CA, son Steve and wife Kathi Gilbert of Mariposa, CA, daughter Carol and husband Steve Parkinson of Ridgway, CO , and Bobbie’s four wonderful and talented grandchildren, Tisa, Jazz, Wade & Ryan .

Bobbie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Brookdale Sunrise Creek for the wonderful care she received there. The Memory Care “family” was truly exceptional and showed love and compassion every day. Also, thank you to HopeWest Hospice for their amazing care, compassion and special services they provided for Bobbie.

A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Bobbie will be remembered as having a tender heart and a sweet soul full of love, compassion and kindness.

Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice – 725 S 4th ST Montrose, CO 81401.  Crippin Funeral Home is assisting the family.