Barbara Lou “Bobbi” Skinner, 80, of Safford, Arizona passed away peacefully on April 7, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born April 9, 1936 in Tucson, Arizona to Edward and Nettie Rogers.
Bobbi grew up in the Gila Valley, as her father was a Well Digger and her mother was a Nurse. Bobbi met the love of her life, James Vance Skinner, while working at the Star Café on Main Street in Safford. They were married and added six children to their union.
Bobbi worked at the Dairy Queen for many years, then took care of the elderly whom she enjoyed because she would listen to their stories of their families and the history they had here in the Gila Valley, that gave her the start she needed to pursue her own family history and genealogy. Bobbi was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held several positions in that organization.
Bobbi is survived by her children: James Vance, Jr. (Diane); Frank (Teena); Ed (Sherli); Brenda and Carlene (Wade); grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bobbi is preceded in death by her first husband James Vance, Sr; second husband Dwayne Paxton; her daughter Cody Lynn; and granddaughter Cody Michelle.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Safford Stake Center with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at the McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.