Roberta "Bobbi" Smith Larsen

BOBBI LARSEN IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Roberta Ann "Bobbi" Smith Larsen, 58, of Idaho Falls, passed away November 19, 2005, at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, from complications related to Polycythemia Vera, which she coped with for 20 years. She was born February 11, 1947, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Jack and Lena DeGregory Smith. She attended Holy Rosary School in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1964. Two years later she had her beautiful daughter, Heidi, during her marriage to Greg Munther. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Idaho State University and an MBA from the University of Alaska. At the time of her death she had enjoyed nearly 14 wonderful years with her husband, Dr. Steven J. Larsen. Bobbi worked for the Idaho National Laboratory for over 30 years and was a manager in the Information Resources group at the time of her retirement in 2001. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling, cooking, playing bridge, and her book club. Survivors include her husband of Idaho Falls, her brother, Bryan (Arta Childears) Smith of Gig Harbor, WA, her stepson, Greg Larsen of Idaho Falls, her niece/daughter, Nikki (Rick) Grover of Richland, WA, and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, USAF Major Gregory (Shanna) Smith, and her daughter, Heidi (Mark) Johnson. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2005, at the Wood Chapel of the Pines, 273 North Ridge. The family will visit with friends and family before the services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to polycythemia vera research through CMPD Education Foundation (www.mpdinfo.org) or Hope Lutheran School, 2071 East 12th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. ______________________________________________ Condolences sent: Kevin & Janet Barton (kcb@srv.net) Joel and Stacey, We were saddened to hear of the passing of your father. The notice in the paper was a beautiful tribute to his lifetime of service. He will be greatly missed. May the Lord bless you in this difficult time. Kevin & Janet Barton Carol Willisch (cwillisch@localnews8.com) We were so terribly sorry to hear of your loss of dear Bobbi. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Your friends, Jack and Carol Willisch Steve & Linda Barnard (drsteve@ida.net) Steve; so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . Jeff Riggs (jriggs@idahopackage.com) Dear Keeth Family, As a young boy i spent many hours in your home, and i always enjoyed the respect and friendship you and Doreen showed my family.I am sorry for your loss. Bill & Virginia Thielbahr (tbar@srv.net) Virginia and I were deeply saddened when learning of the passing of Bobbi. We knew she was fighting a tough disease and knew a little of her ups and downs. But seeing her obituary was a shock. I don't know if you knew this Steve, but Bobbi and Bill Thielbahr worked together for a short period of time at the INL. Bill on the DOE side and Bobbi on the contractor side. Bill remembers well how professional she always appeared, and how confidently she took on assignments. She was simply a class act in whatever she did. We know this is a difficult time and we offer our sincerest condolences. Lynne (Carter) Wells (sturgeonbaits@msn.com) Dr. Larsen, I was sorry to hear about your wife. I never got to meet her, you were married after I moved away, but I have heard she was a great lady! Hope all is well with you, and sorry again for your loss!! Love ya tons, Lynne, Shane and Family Angela Yraguen-Calovich (angelayraguen@hotmail.com) We wanted to send our condolences to the family of Mark Johnson. Our funeral home took care of Heidi, Bobbi's daughter. Our thoughts are with you during another difficult time and know that if you need anything, to just give us a call. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you. Angela at Summers Funeral Homes Jeanie and Alan Donaldson (jeanied@alum.wellesley.edu) Dear Steve, Alan and I send our deepest sympathy on your loss of Bobbi. We always enjoyed chatting with you both at symphony concerts in recent years. Bobbi was so warm and friendly. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. Yours truly, Jeanie and Alan Kimberly Compton Boyd (kboyd@cableone.net) Pat and I would like to offer our deepest sympathies to Bobbi's family and a belated condolence to Heidi's family. Style, Grace, and Charm are the words that describe Bobbie and her "girls." As a the new kid in Jr. High trying to figure out which group I would fit into, I was floored when the most dazzling and outgoing girl in school introduced herself and made sure I made friends with people. I later noticed that both Heidi and Nikki were friends with every "clique" in school and were inclusive of of all types of friends. Later when I worked with Bobbi, it was obvious this was a family trait. I count Bobbi among one of the best managers I have ever had. I wish many of my mangers could have taken training from Bobbi to learn the "human" side of management from her. I'm heartsick that we are without these two lovely women now. I hope their families will find comfort in knowing how much they were appreciated, admired, and respected . . . and that many people count themselves very lucky to have had the opportunity to have spent time with them. Sincerely, Kimberly Compton Boyd Young Eun Kim (kimye@iupui.edu) Steve, I’m so sorry to hear about Bobbi. What a terrific lady she was and a fighter! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. With sincerest condolences, Young Eun Karen Strop (kstrop@cableone.net) Please accept our belated condolences and know that not a day goes by that we don't think of the Larsen/Johnson family. Our words can not express the sympathy that we extend to each of you during this difficult time. May there be some comfort found in knowing that Bobbi and Heidi are together in their eternal life. God Bless each of you. Our love to the Johnson family children during their coninuing battle in dealing with loss this year. We love you guys, the Strop's, Ron, Karen, Jenna and Jared Florence and Janeen Korell (koreaj@srv.net) Please know that Bobbi and family will be remembered in thought and prayers during this sorrowful time. Lynn Rockhold (healthy@ida.net) Dear Nikki -- My prayers and thoughts are with you during this extremely difficult time! I was in Atlanta for three weeks and did not get the word on Bobbi's illness or funeral until after I returned. I am deeply saddened to hear about her and Heidi. Just a little positive flashback that you may not know . . . I met Bobbi when she worked for a manager named Jimmy Crocker . . . did you know him? Anyway, at that time we both worked in the Rogers Hotel (downtown) . . . probably in 1976-77-ish. I worked in an office a few doors down. Bobbi became a good friend and mentor. She was a role-model and like a big sister to me . . . always helpful, very kind and interested in others. Herb (my husband) and I became social friends with Bobbi and Burdette and that is when I met Heidi (as a very little girl). Unfortunately, for me, Bobbi and my paths grew apart as locations and jobs changed. I only saw Bobbi occassionally over the last 15-20 years. I will always have very fond thoughts of her and Heidi! You are an impressive women, Nikki, with incredible strength and fortitude! I know you have been through plenty of challenges in your life. Feel free to call or write, if you just need to chat. Take care of yourself! Best regards, Lynn Rockhold 6-1768