Roberta Louise "Bobbie" Smith

Roberta "Bobbie" Louise Smith, 97, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Taylor House Hospice, surrounded by her family. Bobbie was born on November 11, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, to Henry and Anita Tekla (Jaros) Zimmermann. She was an only child.

Bobbie attended Evanston Township High School, where she participated in theatre and music productions. She shared a special life-long friendship with a close-knit group of young women who called themselves the "Cats". At Drake University, she studied music, English, and education and met her beloved husband of 59 years, Paul Joseph Smith.

Bobbie was an avid theatre and symphony attendee in Des Moines, often taking her family to share in the experience. Alongside Paul, she cherished attending her children and grandchildren's many sporting and musical events, being an active member of St. Ambrose Cathedral, dining at favorite restaurants, and traveling near and far to see the Iowa Hawkeyes. She also treasured quiet moments at home, visiting with family and friends, and faithfully supplied Baker's Square pies for every occasion. Above all, her family filled her life with happiness and meaning. She also adored animals, and over the years, several dogs and cats were lovingly spoiled in her home.

Bobbie is survived by her children Kathleen (Craig) Metzel of Polk City, Charles (Grace) Smith of Des Moines, Sheryl (Steven) Hobbs of Urbandale, Paula (Jeff) Tomlinson of Earlham, and Robert (Lisa) Smith of Clive; grandchildren Gia, Krystal, April, Lindsey, Brian, Erica, Stefanie, Melissa, Allison, Kelsey, Brianna, Elizabeth, Keely, Haley, Nathan, Morey and Henry and 34 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Anita Zimmermann, her husband Paul, and grandson David Hobbs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, 10:00am, at St. Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa. The family will greet friends at a visitation beginning at 9:00am until the service. A luncheon will be held after mass followed by a procession to Glendale Cemetery for interment next to her husband, Paul.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center and Taylor House Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memorials in Bobbie's honor may be directed to St. Ambrose Cathedral, David Hobbs Music Foundation, or the Animal Rescue League.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed on the Iles website. Go to www.ilescares.com just before 10:00am Monday and scroll to the bottom of Bobbie's obituary for the link to join the service.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ilescares.com

Arrangements through Iles Westover Chapel