Roberta (Bobbie) Bakker

Roberta (Bobbie) Bakker, 83, passed away April 23, 2026. She was born to Russell and Almeda Thomas of Muskegon, Michigan.

She is survived by her husband, George; daughter, Cheryl (Gary) Maners of Terre Haute; son, Christopher (Brandy) Bakker; and four grandchildren, Samantha Ann Maners, Andrew Jonathan Maners, both of Los Angeles, California, Cassandra Madelyn Rossman (Morgan) and Ella Mackenzie Bakker of Beavercreek, Ohio; sister, Annlee Boonstra of Grand Haven, Michigan; and one niece, Karen Klages of Altadena, California.

Bobbie and George were married sixty-four years. During that time they traveled quite extensively. Their travels included all fifty states, Europe, South America, and several cruises in the Caribbean in the Panama Canal.

After marriage, Bobbie worked for AT&T throughout the Los Angeles basin. After the family moved to Terre Haute, Bobbie went back to school at Indiana State University to achieve an MBA from the College of Business, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Her next work experience was in the College of Business, where she headed their Advising Office for twenty-five years. Over the years, Bobbie kept a close relationship with students, especially those involved in sports. Bobbie was proud to be designated as an honorary coach, once for football and once for basketball.

Family was always very important to Bobbie, especially her four grandchildren. She had an extra special relationship with grandson, Andrew.

Bobbie was a longtime member of United Methodist Temple, where she served and chaired many committees in her more than fifty years there.

The family wishes to thank four neighbor ladies in Idle Creek who have been so caring during Bobbie’s illness. They are Susie Thompson, Lynn Mast, Jane Hadley, and Dot Mimms. A special thank you needs to go to a constant friend for many years, Joanne Orman. One additional thank you needs to go to VNA Hospice. Their help this past year has been immeasurable.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street, with Reverend Paul Rogers officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Indiana State University College of Business.