Barbra “Bobbie” Jane Smith

Barbra Jane Smith “Bobbie” passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025 at the age of 79. Bobbie was born on the 25th of October, 1945 in Seattle, Washington to Montague and Florence Bickle. She was the second born of their two children. Bobbie and her sister Marcy were raised on beautiful Vashon Island. It was there Bobbie developed a remarkable work ethic. She earned money spending countless hours picking sweet island berries and she was revered by many ladies for her meticulous work ironing their clothing and other household items. In her spare time she could be found waterskiing on Quartermaster Harbor or riding her beloved horse Goldie through the island forests. Her charisma, positivity, and kind heart led to many friendships at Vashon Island High School. She was a leader on the cheer squad and a hard-working student. She attended Central Washington University where she met the love of her life, Michael Smith. They married on October 19, 1968. Together they built a beautiful home on Tiger Mountain, tending 5 acres of land and raising their two cherished daughters Allison (Sander) and Kimberlee (Baker). As a family they enjoyed cozy movie nights, frightful mountain storms, yearly vacations to Ocean Shores and Crescent Bar, and trips to the county fair, sharing giant elephant ears and delicious roasted corn on the cob. Their daughters hold these happy childhood memories dear.

Bobbie put a great amount of effort into creating a lovely home for her family. She loved to decorate and made every holiday magical, especially Christmas. She was an exceptional seamstress and had a great talent crocheting elaborate afghans, scarves, stockings, and a variety of charming animals. Her creations were treasured by many. She even built the successful business “Bobbie’s Hobbies” selling her crafts at local bazaars and online stores. Bobbie proudly worked as a flight attendant at Alaska Airlines for nearly 30 years. She was a valued and dedicated employee, even answering the call at 3am to work a trip, putting on snow tire chains by herself in the dark of night during a snowstorm. Her commitment and responsibility were unmatched. She prided herself on being prompt, always wearing a freshly pressed uniform, and treating every passenger attentively with kindness and respect.

In addition to her commitment to motherhood and work, Bobbie valued exercise. Her journey into wellness began with Jane Fonda and Jazzercise workouts on the home VCR. Next she became an active member of the Front Street Workout in downtown Issaquah taking aerobics classes and nautilus strength training and becoming a certified aerobics instructor. One of her proudest athletic accomplishments was climbing the Three Sisters with a group of friends from her gym. Bobbie’s daughters graduated from The University of Washington and both married fellow Huskies, Ned Sander and Andy Baker who Bobbie loved dearly as her sons. Bobbie always said the greatest joys in life were her two daughters and her nine grandchildren. Ian, Olivia, Audrey, Peter and Evelyn Sander, and Elizabeth, Katherine, Claire, and Natalie Baker shared the most devoted, doting, loving grandmother who played a significant role in each of their lives. The grief of losing their “Doe Doe” has been immense. We console ourselves knowing her bright, tender, and kind spirit lives on in each of her grandchildren.

Throughout life Bobbie selflessly gave a great deal of time and energy to her friends and family. She was loved and adored by each one. This past year was very challenging for her physically. Old friends and new friends loyally stayed by her side, providing love and support. Her greatest source of comfort and happiness came in the form of a precious little white dog named Molly who she rescued last spring. They rescued each other indeed.

In her final hours, Bobbie was surrounded by her entire family and closest friends, and sweet Molly resting in her lap. This was her last wish, and we are so grateful it was granted. We rejoice knowing she is now at peace, in Heaven.

A private celebration of life will be held by her daughters and their immediate families in the fall.