Barbara “Bobbie” Vance Robbins

February 7, 1933 - March 1, 2023

Barbara Vance Robbins, known as Bobbie to her friends, died peacefully in the late evening of March 1, 2023 surrounded by her family in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Born in 1933 in New York City, raised in Tenafly, New Jersey and Evanston, Illinois, Bobbie attended Colorado College and Northwestern University. It was while she was at Northwestern, she met a young physician, Dr. Galen Robbins from Pauls Valley Oklahoma, who changed her life. They married in 1954 and, following their nuptials, had stints living in Boston, Williamsburg, and Houston before returning to Galen’s native Oklahoma in 1959 to build their lives.

In the span of 9 years, Bobbie and Galen had 5 children and though she was busy enough raising each of them, Bobbie was actively involved in supporting many organizations in Oklahoma City. She served as the president of the Oklahoma County Medical Auxiliary, past president and founder of Dinner a ‘la Art for the Oklahoma Art Center, was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Association, past President of the Decorator’s Showhouse for the Oklahoma Symphony, Board of Trustees’ president of the Harn Homestead, and lifelong member and supporter of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage museum.

Bobbie moved from Oklahoma City to Denver, Colorado full-time in 2011 after her husband Galen died in 2010. She continued to enjoy spending time in their mountain home on the Colorado River in Granby, Colorado for many years before living full-time near family in Denver, Colorado.

Most importantly Bobbie will always be remembered by her children, grandchildren, and many friends for her warmth, her unfailing positive attitude, and her infectious enthusiasm for life.

Bobbie felt a deep affection and appreciation for the many young men and women who served as her caregivers over the past 5 years in the skilled nursing facility where she lived. Our entire family was so grateful for the loving care she received especially throughout the pandemic. In honor of Bobbie, we ask that you recognize a cargiver in your community who is doing this important work.

Bobbie is survived by her five children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Son Peter & Kim Robbins (Fort Worth), grandsons Daniel & Alyssa Robbins (Denver), great-grandchildren Sloan and Naiya; grandson Jason & Jenny Robbins (Los Angeles), great-grandchild Quinn. Son Bill Robbins (Naples), granddaughter Hannah Robbins Sweet (Portland), great-grandchild Xander. Daughter Peggy & John Bender (Denver), granddaughter Lily & David Neubert (Denver), great-grandchild Jack Neubert; grandson Ben Weiner (Guthrie). Son John & Della Robbins (Denver), grandson Will Robbins (Philadelphia); granddaughter Carolyn Robbins (Manhattan). Daughter Susan & Charles Newirth (Santa Monica), grandson Willy Newirth (Los Angeles); granddaughter Emma Newirth (Santa Monica).

A memorial celebrating Bobbie’s life will be held Saturday June 17th , 4pm at the Ouray Ranch outdoor chapel in Granby, Colorado. Barbeque to follow!

Photo Gallery