Sept. 15, 1938 — Sept. 11, 2025
Barbara Ann Bear, of Ashland, Oregon, passed away on Sept. 11, 2025, just four days shy of her 87th birthday. Barbara was the daughter of the late Henry L. Bear of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the late Georgia McCuen of Greenville, South Carolina.
Barbara spent her early years primarily near Philadelphia and in 1965 she moved to Greenville to be near her extended family, where she was affectionately known as “Babs.” With her signature pink bowling ball, Barbara bowled with pride as a member of her Special Olympics team.
After the loss of many beloved family members in South Carolina, Barbara moved to Roseburg, Oregon, in 2000 to join her sister and niece. Bobbie was a cherished family member. Embracing this new chapter, she adopted the name “Bobbie”— a fresh beginning that reflected her evolving sense of self.
For the next two decades, Bobbie lived in Roseburg at Linus Oaks Retirement Community, where she found community and formed deep friendships. She relished the outings to the coast, concerts, and the simple pleasures of sharing meals with friends and family. She delighted in birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, vacations with her sister, and attending her great-nieces’ school milestones, all the way through college graduations. Her candor, honesty, and generous heart endeared Bobbie to all who knew her.
Bobbie was an amazing woman whose life is a testament to resilience, generosity, and wholeheartedness. She loved her increased independence, affirming her voice, and making meaningful contributions to her community.
As a young woman, Bobbie held supported positions in the food services field, beginning as a kitchen assistant at Little Flower Manor in Darby, Pennsylvania. She went on to spend 13 dedicated years in kitchen prep at Greenville General Hospital, followed by training and work with Piedmont Skills, The Patrick Center.
Once retired in Roseburg, Bobbie generously volunteered over 6,000 of hours at Mercy Medical Center, working in both the cafeteria and escort services. Bobbie’s dedication earned her deep respect and recognition: In 2008 the hospital honored Bobbie with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award. In 2003, she received The President’ Volunteer Service Award from the USA Freedom Corps. As Bobbie’s needs grew, she found comfort at Ashland Sky Senior Home in Ashland, Oregon, where she was compassionately cared for until her passing.
Even as Bobbie’s physical challenges mounted — losses in vision, hearing, and cognition — Bobbie remained feisty and undaunted. As Bobbie’s needs increased, she moved in 2019 to Maple Ridge Senior Living in Ashland, Oregon. She continued to meet life with courage, refreshing humor and a “I tell it like it is …’ cause that’s the way I am …” authenticity that will be profoundly missed. Bobbie was the life of each party and unfailingly made us laugh. She was — and will continue to be — deeply loved and missed. Her life made a difference.
Bobbie is survived by her sister, Sandra Black of Ashland, Oregon; her niece, Susan Black (Bob Good) of Ashland; and her grandnieces, Cassie Shammel and Katie Shammel of Portland, Oregon.
A private interment will be held on Oct. 13, 2025, at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville, South Carolina, where Barbara will be laid to rest beside her beloved mother. A celebration of Bobbie’s life will take place at a later date in Ashland, Oregon.
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