Roberta Mae Hickox

On the 15th of January 2017 Roberta “Bobbi” Mae Hickox passed away peacefully in her Thurston County home. She is survived by her partner in life, Bob Briggs, her two daughters Jami White and Julia Ross and her five grandchildren, Mariah Mao, Logan White, Tarkin White, Kodiak Ross and Talon Ross. She was loved by the community and had many dear friends and family.

Bobbi was born in Astoria, New York on June 27th 1945 to her mother Charlotte and William Glover. It wasn’t long after her birth that her entire family moved to Los Angeles California. Bobbi grew up in Covina, CA and spent many summers in the Midwestern states including Kentucky and Indiana where she learned how to fish and ride horses, as well as getting to know her father’s side of the family.

Bobbi attended Northview High School in Covina CA where she was the Sophomore class President, Junior Class Secretary, Senior Class Vice President. She was also on the Honor Roll, and won the Freshman Math Award. Bobbi was a member of the Drill Team, the Drama Club, a Cheerleader, and on the Yearbook Staff. She graduated in 1963.

Bobbi took classes at the California State University, Fullerton and graduated with a Sociology Degree from the University of Southern California (USC).

All of her wonderful life Bobbi loved to travel. Soon after graduating from USC, she quickly departed with her friend to “hitchhike”, in her words, around Europe for a while. She met Leonard Cohen in Greece, was an extra in some Italian “spaghetti westerns”, stayed in Hostels, enjoyed gorgeous beaches and got to hike and see a lot of southern Europe. Sometimes she would tell stories like the time she crossed into Eastern Germany through the Berlin wall just before they closed it. It was hard for us to picture her stories because it was the late 1960s.

When she returned she moved to WA State, became a Social Worker, married and had two daughters. She accomplished all of these things including buying her home in 1972. Bobbi lived in the same house for 44 years. Although she did some additions and remodeling it was always the place she loved.

Bobbi started as a Case Worker for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. When Bobbi retired she was a supervisor. Although she loved her job she was lucky enough to accept an early retirement after 30 years which allowed her more time to spend with her family and for travel as well as her other many activities.

Throughout Bobbi’s 45 years in Olympia, she loved to volunteer her time to many groups including Capitol Land Trust, North Thurston School District Foundation, and Soroptimist International. She was a member of EENATAI, Sisterhood, and the South Sound Estuary Association. Bobbi also was a long time supporter of Harlequin Theater in Downtown Olympia and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

Bobbi also volunteered for her grandchildren’s activities including elementary school field trips, ballet chaperone, went to many of her granddaughters activities including watching high school football games just so she could see her granddaughter on the Drill team. She always went to her grandsons little league and basketball games. She helped with fundraisers for all children when possible.

In 1988 she met and stayed with her long time partner Bob Briggs who loved to travel with her and help to keep her home beautiful. They both enjoyed cooking, Bobbi inside and Bob outside. There would always be gatherings and parties for their friends and family.

Traveling all over the United States and the world was probably her greatest past time. She was lucky to make it to almost every state except Vermont, Connecticut and Louisiana. They went on many tours through all parts of Europe including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Ireland. She went to Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand. They went on a Southern Africa Safari, traveled to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands in South America and visited Mayan ruins in Mexico and Central America. She loved meeting people from every part of the world and absolutely loved learning about the history and cultures. Almost every gift she ever gave us from her travels has a story to go with it.

Bobbi, Mom, Grandmother you will be missed and always thought about in our hearts. Nobody knows why you left us so early but we are glad you don’t have to suffer any more painful surgeries or hospital visits. You touched everyone who you met in a very different special way. We will always love and remember you.

Bobbi’s Celebration of Life Memorial will be held March 18, 2017 at the American Legion Post 94, 2603 Marvin Rd. SE, Olympia WA 98503. Please feel free to stop by anytime between the hours of 1:00 and 5:00 and enjoy refreshments, snacks and memories