Barbara Jean Wilson

Barbara ‘Bobbie’ Jean Wilson passed peacefully on April 10th surrounded by her family and the love of her life Larry.  Bobbie was born on April 8, 1947 to Marilyn and Bob Semple in Louisville, KY.  Soon after the addition of several siblings, the family relocated to Toledo, Ohio where she spent the duration of her life.  Bobbie attended Whitmer High School where she met her soulmate, Larry Wilson.  Bobbie and Larry married on August 17, 1964 and they started their family with the addition of Jeff in January 1965 and Todd arrived shortly thereafter in August of 1966.

Bobbie enjoyed raising her family on Poinsettia Avenue where they built a lifetime of memories with neighbors that became lifelong friends and a family that continued to grow-  Bobbie truly dedicated her life to her family.  She never turned down an invitation to attend any event, whether it was chaperoning a field trip, spectate at a kiddos’ sporting game, or tagging along to shopping trips without an excuse needed other than to simply ‘shop.’ 

She truly was the ‘hostess with the mostest.’  She ensured their home was always stocked with all of the snacks, drinks, and anything that was a favorite of ‘her people’ down to the flavor of gum or type of wine.  Her ability to transform a house into a home was uncanny down to the decorative holiday towels and napkins, and her thoughtfulness was seen in everything she touched.

Bobbie’s true happiness shined when she was with her family.  She and Larry made holidays and every event a lasting memory for their loved ones.  There was never a shortage of cookies, wine, or sweets and Bobbie always made sure plates and glasses were always full.  From late nights of Scrabble, Bridge, or Acey Ducey, she was never short on creating lasting moments that became cherished memories for the entire family.  Rarely would a gathering end without a round of Show Down and her singing ‘Shot Down in a Blaze of Glory.’ 

Bobbie left a void that will never be filled, but her family is grateful knowing that she is at peace with those who went before her, including her parents, Bob and Marilyn, brother Don, and her beloved son Jeff.

Bobbie/Mom/Grandma Barb/Aunt Bobbie, she wore so many hats, will forever be cherished by those she leaves behind including her husband of nearly 62 years, Larry, her son Todd, grandchildren Joey (Kirstey), Sarah, Zoe (Jake), and Turner and great grandchildren Marley and Bobbie.  She also leaves behind siblings Jim (Karen) Semple, Karen Gayhart, Linda Semple, David (Scarlet) Semple and many nieces and nephews including her special niece Amy (Tim) Smith, cousins, and friends.

The family will have visiting hours at Reeb Funeral Home on April 16th from 4-8pm, please come in from the Summit Street entrance.  There will be a funeral at Reeb on April 17th at 11am followed by a burial at Toledo Memorial Park.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Jean Wilson, please visit our floral store.