Barbara "Bobby" Jean Hoeck

Barbara Jean Hoeck, known as Bobby, was born on April 26th, 1932, the daughter of Russell and Lillian Cross. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the University of Illinois, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and worked with future Nobel Prize winner Charles B Huggins at the Ben May Department for Cancer Research. Bobby met Donald Hoeck while they were both at Illinois, and they were married in 1954.

Bobby worked as an analytical chemist, a teacher of math, chemistry, and physics, and raised four children. Her personal activities included music and worship, with terms as the Clerk of Session at the Community Presbyterian Church in Mount Prospect, Illinois.

In 1986 Bobby and Don moved to Phoenix, and she began a new career as a travel agent. She specialized in tours of Scotland, and earned the title of Scots Master from the Scottish Tourist Board. They joined the Mission Del Sol Presbyterian Church in Tempe, where she served on the Session, and helped to found a Bible study group.

Bobby was a continual student and a voracious reader. She participated in reader’s theatre, played piano, and sang alto in a variety of church choirs for over 80 years. She is survived by her children, Richard Hoeck, Karen Haas, Judy Clawson, and Michael Hoeck, her grandchildren, Abigail Warburg, Sharon Hoeck, Ryan Hoeck, and Marissa Hoeck, her two great-grandchildren, Nathan and Emma Warburg, and by her long time friends Lew and Sharron Crawford.

Condolences may be sent to the church.