Barbara “Bobbie” Louise Figgins
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Barbara “Bobbie” Louise Figgins, 89, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2018, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She did not wish to have services at her time of death, but to be returned to Colorado, where she was born.
Bobbie was born July 30, 1929, in La Junta, Colorado, the daughter of Charles Walter and Nora Owretha (McDoniel) McClain. She, therefore, would proudly share that she was a double “Mc”. She enjoyed a successful career as an administrator at the University of Kansas for 23 years before she retired. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, was a competitive bridge player, and enjoyed bowling.
She married Lyman Dean Figgins on February 5, 1954 in Raton, NM. He preceded her in death on October 14, 1997. Survivors include their daughter, Retha Lee Nightingale, Rolla, MO; four grandchildren (Ted and Katharine by Retha, and Patrick and Jesse by Carol); and four great grandchildren (two by Patrick and two by Jesse). She was also preceded in death by their daughter, Carol A. Moore; two sisters, Charlene Phifer and Owretha Helton; and a brother, Charles Walter McClain, Jr. Bobbie loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren so very dearly.
Bobbie described herself as a spirit. She loved her church and would be seated at the entrance prior to Sunday service, warmly greeting people in Christian fellowship. She loved Jesus our Savior. The children loved her for sneaking chocolate candy to them. Bobbie has been described as a true beauty, a force of nature, either entirely “in” or entirely “out”, and generously offering praise as well as criticism. Bobbie would often host gatherings in her garage with chardonnay on lovely Lawrence afternoons with her neighbors, with lots of laughter. The staff loved her at Pioneer Ridge for her spunk. She knew Jayhawk basketball inside out and she loved her Jayhawks.
The family would like to express appreciation to Elaine Kennedy for her care and support, the EMT’s of the Lawrence Fire Department who helped Bobbie stay in her own home a little longer, Dr. Imber for her excellent medical care, Lawrence Memorial Hospital nursing staff, and Pioneer Ridge staff for loving professional care.
I am very sad to hear of Bobbi’s passing. I SO enjoyed her at FPC. She was a delight. She always had on elaborate jewelry and a smile on her face. I know she loved Colorado, so she will get to go “home”. She showed me some photos of herself from when she was young. She was a beautiful lady. I loved hearing her stories. She was so much fun. I will miss her. Mary Gordon
I am so very sorry to hear this. I know your mom will be planning the fun! Our moms will be certainly having a great time being together again!!! I will so miss your mom’s remembrances of my mom and Aunt….
Hugs and prayers, Sue Davis McDaniel
I am so sorry to hear of Bobbie’s passing, such a beautiful spirited person who loved her family dearly! Sincerely, Carma Glas
Loved Bobbie. Always a good friend of the family. We’ll miss her.
What a cheerful, positive person Bobbi was! She always had such a genuine concern for others. Happy I got a chance to experience her spirit, sense of humor, and her sparkling eyes.
What a cheerful, positive person Bobbi was! She always had such a genuine concern for others. Happy I got a chance to experience her spirit, sense of humor, and her sparkling eyes.
Bobbie was my neighbor and we had such a good time at Bob’s bar.(her garage) and when she went to Pioneer Ridgewe talked almost every day. I will miss her.
John and I will miss this beautiful lady. She would call periodically and just to say Hello and that she wanted to touch base. We had a loving relationship for many years thru a fun time in our home one night, years ago. Loved her sense of humor, her strength of independence and her brilliant smile. She always looked “smashing” when we saw her. Feisty and bright…she will be missed by all. Grateful to have shared time with her always. Ruth and John Hughes
I am so sorry to hear this. I have fond memories of working for Bobbie at KU in the 1970’s. May May she Rest In Peace. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Bobbi was my sister’s table mate at Pioneer Ridge. We always enjoyed our little visits when we took my sister down to lunch. Wish we would have made time to stay longer. Life is so fragile at that age. My sister lost her husband in July and we thought Bobbi was truly a gift to her. She was a joy and a delight.
Your Mom was funny and fun. She was comfortable as a commandant and a confidant. I got to know both those roles as we grew through the high school years. I will always remember her as being larger than life, the twinkle in her eye, and the witty retorts. She never ran out of words and most of them formed some saucy paragraphs with a hint of rebellion.
I identified with her energy and flare for making the mundane fantastical.
What a woman! She kept us on our toes. Bobbie won’t be forgotten!
I am so sorry to hear of Bobbie’s passing. She was a wonderful friend to my mother, Betty Hilt. My daughters remember her as being a delightful and friendly person at church. I will always remember her smile and laughter.
To Bobbie’s family,
We so enjoyed your lovely, funny mother back in the day when we played bridge with your parents and the FitzGeralds. In recent years she frequently stayed in touch by phone just to say ‘how are you?’ and ‘I love you’. She was a joy to know.
pat and Michael Lechtenberg
Retha
I am sorry to hear about your mom. She was always fun to talk to – first when “running around” with Carol as teenagers or later at KU. My condolences to you and to your family.
i’m so sorry to hear about Bobbie’s passing. I worked with Bobbie at KU. She was always in a good mood and kept us all laughing. Bobbie was a very special lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
I am so sorry to hear about Bobbie’s passing. She was a great friend to my Grandma Annie and I have very fond memories of going shopping or to lunch with the both of them. She had so much spunk and it was an honor to grow up around her and witness her tremendous joy.