Barbara Susan Williams

1950 - 2024

Barbara (Bobbi) Susan Williams

August 16, 1950 - October 11, 2024

Wichita, Kansas - Barbara (Bobbi) Susan Williams was born August 16, 1950, to Charles and Barbara Brazill Wehby. She was the first of five children, a nurturing older sister to Cathy (Jim), David (Gisele), Mary (Dan), and Debbie (Mike). As a child, Bobbi loved baseball and could recite the starting lineup for the New York Yankees at a very early age. Family and church played an integral part in Bobbi's life. Her foundation of faith was established at Calvary United Methodist Church where Bobbi was active in many youth activities, and later as an adult who enjoyed singing in the choir.

Bobbi attended Wichita West High School, then continued her education at Wichita State University where she earned a degree in secondary education. She began her teaching career at her alma mater-West High, then taught for many years at Wichita North High. She, however, spent the bulk of her career teaching middle school children, first at Marshall Middle School, then at Wilbur Middle School. She had many enjoyable years and completed her career at Maize South Middle School. She was a gifted teacher who exhibited great care and kindness toward her students, and was passionate about imparting a knowledge of correct grammar to all who entered her classroom.

Bobbi married Robert Paul in 1972. That union was blessed with two daughters, Amy Williams and Marianne (Alba) Morales. After the marriage ended, she met the love of her life. Bobbi and Ronald Williams (her Ronnie Paul) were married on November 9, 1984. This head over heels in love couple took on the daunting task of blending four kids into a family. Bobbi and Ron felt blessed that they succeeded, and Bobbi added two more children to her brood: Brian (Jenice) and Heather (Eric).

Family life was busy, but Bobbi and Ron placed great value on being vibrant members of First Church of the Nazarene where they made many life-long friends and enjoyed singing in the choir. They had fun in life, sharing a love for Jesus and family. They were the quintessential host and hostess, opening their home generously to friends and family. They were known for their baseball trips, where they traveled the country visiting all the major league ballparks-always rooting for the home team. Bobbi faithfully sent postcards from every stadium detailing the weather, hotdog rating, and play of the game. They rarely missed attending a Shocker basketball game, where they were season ticket holders, and they enjoyed dinners and Music Theater with friends.

Bobbi's faith journey blossomed when one day Ron said to her, "Bobbi Sue, if you really want to know God better and have a closer relationship with Him you need to get to know Him better by studying His Word!" Bobbi took Ron's exhortation to heart and began studying the Bible in a Bible Study Fellowship class. That decision transformed her life and Bobbi's faith began to flourish as she learned and applied God's Word. She became a group leader in BSF and served faithfully for many years.

Bobbi retired from teaching in 2016. She spent her days true to form by loving and caring for family and friends. She delighted in hosting family lunch every Sunday. She was honored to care for Ron as he declined due to dementia, and continued to serve God and others by sitting on the board of Covenant House in Ron's stead after he passed away in 2021.

Bobbi passed into the loving arms of Jesus, her Savior, on October 11, 2024. She is survived by her children; her son-in-law, Don Tibbitts; her siblings; her adoring grandchildren, Garrett (Julia), Landon, Natalie, Ailey, Andrew, Carter, Cameron (Chelsie), Miranda (Justin); great grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Bobbi's life was characterized by the fact that she loved others well. She had a gift for making people feel special and touched many lives with her warmth, generosity and love.

Visitation will be 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, October 18, 2024, with Funeral Services at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 19, 2024, both at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Memorials have been established with: Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization c/o Wichita State University Foundation, 1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, KS 67260-0002; Covenant Housing Corporation, 8415 East 21st Street North, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67206; Bible Study Fellowship International, P. O. Box 675241, Dallas, TX 75267-5241; or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com