Barbara "Bobbie" Marie Wallace

Bobbie was a native Denverite and the youngest of three children born to Mr. And Mrs. Joseph E. Reefe.

From an early age , Bobbie loved to perform and give others pleasure. As a second grader at Mt. St. Gertrude's in Boulder, she easily adapted to the curriculum of those days: French and elocution. The Sisters quickly took notice of Bobbie's eagerness as well as her ease and poise on the stage. lt wasn't long before she was a "regular" entertaining with recital pieces and poems at various Boulder Women's Clubs and Teas.

Another Academy stint at St. Mary's Academy in Kansas served to hone her skills in speech and where she cultivated a strong rapport with a couple of nuns. She attended SMA until her Junior year when her sister, Trish, returned to Denver, so did she.

St. Francis-De Sales would be where Bobbie would finish High School and continue her Speech and Drama career winning first place in every tournament she entered. This was culminated by reaching the Regional District Finals.

Upon completion of her Senior Year and playing the lead role in the Senior Class Play, Bobbie was informed that she had been offered a four-year scholarship to Loretto Height's College. However, after two years and traveling such a distance every day, Bobbie had to transfer to the University of Denver to carry out her degree in Speech and English.

During her college studies and outings, Bobbie had many suitors in her day; but one stood out to her, Bob Wallace, of Regis College. She knew of him through friends and his talent on the basketball court. After months of "courting" the two married June 18,1955.

Bob's work took Bobbie to Alamosa, CO, back to Denver and finally where they would call home for the next 40 years, La Junta, CO.

Now with a family of four sons and one daughter, Bobbie took up acting again with the local theatre company where she performed in many stage productions as well as served on several boards. She and her daughter even shared the stage in a few productions.

Bobbie returned to teaching at the High School level for a few years in the 80's where she taught English, Speech and Drama. She even directed a few productions and guided a couple of her students in Speech Competitions to first place with the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

ln addition to her own busy schedule, life with five children, all of whom were in sports, proved to keep Bobbie on her toes. She effortlessly carted them to and from practices as well as traveling, sometimes great distances to watch them in their events.

Bobbie and Bob loved to entertain in their beautiful home they made together. Many fond memories were made and life-long friendships remained even after they returned to Denver in 2001.

Bobbie truly enjoyed traveling. She and Bob traveled numerous times to Europe. One trip, in particular, that was truly memorable was visiting Rome and the Vatican: such inspiration and deep meaning for two devout Catholics.

Bobbie was a true renaissance "woman" and won the hearts of many who came in contact with her. She had a wit, charisma, and savvy about her that others loved. Her generosity was unparalleled. She would even welcome those who were alone during the Holidays to dine at her own table with her family.

However, there was one true constant in Bobbie's life: the Lord. Bobbie's faith never faltered, never waned. The Lord Jesus Christ and her Catholicism always came first. From Mt. St. Gertrudes, to receiving Holy Communion in her last home of residence, the need to know the Lord, rely upon Him, and be grateful for her many Blessings, was what she strived for herself and her children her entire life.

Bobbie is survived by her children, Rick (Nancy), Tom, Jim (Cathy), Dan, and Mary Pat; her nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 4, 2024, at 10 am at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Denver, CO. An "lrishWake' or Celebration of Life will directly follow at Darcy's Bistro and Pub, Greenwood Village, CO.

All are welcome!