In loving memory of
Bobbie (Barbara Jean) Abby Bevins

• April 27, 1946
• -
• August 26, 2018

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Bobbie (Barbara Jean) Abby Bevins passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2018 in Fort Myers, FL. She was 72 years old. Her three children, Holley, Heidi, and Matt, were her constant focus from the moment they entered the world. Her grandchildren considered their “Gran” or “Gram” to be the one who always came bearing gifts, hugs, back-scratches, and love in all forms.

 However, the role in which Bobbie was most extraordinary was as wife to her lifelong love, Donald Lee Bevins. She first spotted “Donnie” on the playground when she was a young girl.  She knew during their shared childhood that he would be the love of her life. And love they did- reaching their 52nd anniversary with three children and eight grandchildren. They also enjoyed giving each other a good ribbing when necessary. Humor and caring was the foundation of the enduring love between Don and Bobbie.  They set a strong example of unconditional love and marriage for their family. 

The daughter of William Robert Abby and Irene Bernice Abby, Bobbie was born in Olney, Illinois on April 27, 1946. Her upbringing resulted in a lifelong love of singing, baking, sewing, problem-solving, and offering a listening ear to family and friends who knew they could count on her no matter the situation or hour. Bobbie cultivated the best traits that come from a small-town upbringing. She was authentic, hardworking, and approachable to all, and made genuine friends wherever life took her. Her older sister, Susie, was one of her favorite co-pilots for life’s adventures.

 Bobbie juggled the roles of wife, mother, grandmother, and friend with grace and pure dedication. Her family and friends felt her love in innumerable ways– from phone calls, long drives, planning, cooking, and attending the many activities and games of her grandchildren with joy and enthusiasm. Bobbie’s kind spirit cast warmth and sunshine on everything and everyone she encountered. Her kitchen was rarely a quiet place, often filled with the sound of her beautiful singing voice. All family and acquaintances knew to come to the Bevins residence with a healthy appetite because Bobbie cooked enough food to feed a small army. She gave love the same way and always had more to spare for whomever needed it. 

 Bobbie’s laughter often filled a room. Her friends and family will miss her sense of humor perhaps most of all. Her witty commentary and perfectly timed zingers always made her company cackle– and sometimes blush.

 Her home saw a rotating stream of company in every place she lived. Bobbie’s hospitality knew no bounds.  Throughout her life, she retained many special friendships, and was always willing to welcome a new person into her life.  She looked forward to trips, card games and bunko nights with her besties. Bobbie’s talents were endless. She was a gifted artist on every canvas, every doodle, every birthday cake, every plate, and every out-of-this-world original Halloween costume. She was a kind and patient teacher.  She could throw a football and play catch with a baseball as well as she could make fried chicken.  Her unparalleled talent was making people feel special and knowing who needed a little extra love. 

 Bobbie is survived by her loving husband, Don Bevins; her daughters Holley McManus (and her husband Philip McManus; Denver, CO), Heidi Obregon (and her husband David Obregon; Bowling Green, OH), and Matt Bevins (and his wife Shannon Bevins; Franklin, TN); her sisters Sue Nale (and her husband Kent Nale; Albion, IL) and Kathy Cheney (Carmi, IL) ; Brother Kenny Abby (Albion, IL); and, her grandchildren, Jackson Bevins, Mercedes, Gabe, and Joseph “Joey” Obregon (Bowling Green, OH), Riley and Delaney McManus (Denver, CO), and Olivia and Turner Bevins (Franklin, TN). She also leaves beloved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own, and countless cousins and friends from each stage of her life.

 The family is planning a “Celebration of Life” ceremony at a later date for friends and family.