Roberta Jean Stockslager

Roberta “Bobbi” Stockslager, age 96, was born in Savannah, Illinois, and lived a remarkable life defined by strength, faith, hard work, kindness, and an unwavering love for her family.

Bobbi was one of the strongest women her family had ever known. She raised four children, teaching them that hard work pays off, kindness matters more than anything, and making others happy is one of life's greatest gifts. She endured heartbreak, including the loss of her beloved daughter in 1978 at the age of 25, yet continued to face life with extraordinary strength and determination.

Faith was the foundation of Bobbi's life. A devoted member of her church for more than 50 years, she taught Sunday school in her younger years and volunteered wherever she was needed, from the pumpkin patch to the Christmas tree lot. When asked what advice she would give her children, she said, “Believe in God! He has always provided for us and got me through a lot of tough times, but I trusted in him.”

Bobbi's work ethic was evident throughout her long career. She began as a soda fountain waitress, later became a nationally recognized top salesperson for Stanley Home Products, and worked her way from the accounting department to Controller at Peninsular Sign Company in Florida. After semi-retiring, she returned to work as a billing specialist at Midway Services, where she finally fully retired at age 93. At 88, she even began a new chapter as a Mary Kay consultant, continuing her lifelong passion for supporting women and helping them become the best they could be.

The American Business Women's Association (ABWA) held a special place in Bobbi's heart. She served as National President from 1991 to 1992, mentored numerous women, helped establish new chapters, and built lasting friendships across the country. Through her leadership and encouragement, she helped women grow both personally and professionally.

A passionate Tampa Bay Rays fan, Bobbi loved watching her team play, whether from the stands or at home. Even when the Rays weren't doing well, she remained a loyal fan. She also had a special love for butterflies. If she saw something with a butterfly on it, she had to have it! Now, whenever her family sees a butterfly, they will think of Bobbi and remember her with love.

When asked what mattered most in her life, Bobbi's answer was simple: “my children.” If she could do one thing again, she said, “See my whole family at the same time - maybe in Hawaii would be nice”. And when asked how she wanted to be remembered, she answered, “Kind, a good mom, strong woman, and a good friend.”

Bobbi leaves behind her loving family, Monte and Bonnie Fisher, Mike and Carol Fisher, and Michelle and Charlie Sheldon; her seven grandchildren, Krista, Kami, Kelly, Leah, Matthew, Austin, and Kelsi; and her ten great-grandchildren, Grant, Hadley, MacKenzie, Nora, Edith, Kale, Klay, Drake, Emma, and Jensen. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter and her three sisters.

Bobbi's legacy lives on through the family she loved, the women she mentored, the friendships she built, and the kindness she shared. May we honor her by working hard, trusting in God, being kind, and always trying to make someone happy. And whenever a butterfly crosses our path, may it remind us of the remarkable woman we were so fortunate to call Bobbi or Mom.