Bobbe Nell Smith

On Thursday, August 22, 2013, Bobbe Smith of Stamford, Texas, passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, taking with her the spark, wit and compassion she bestowed on those who knew and loved her. She was 86 years old.
Bobbe Nell Turner was born on April 9, 1927, in Kerrville, Texas to Robert and Leta (Smith) Turner. Bobbe’s family raised goats and sheep in south Texas prior to moving to the Big Bend area to ranch. Homeschooled by her mother during her elementary years, she later attended high school in Marfa, Texas, where she graduated early at the age of 16. During these years, she rode her beloved horse Bullet in barrel racing events at rodeos. She furthered her passion for education at TCU and later at the University of Texas at El Paso.
It was at the University of Texas in El Paso that Bobbe met Deverle Frazier. They were united in marriage in 1946. The young family grew in love and numbers with the birth of three children: Joe, Becky and Greg. Deverle died in an auto accident on October 13, 1976.
In the late 1970’s, Bobbe moved to Stamford to care for her mother, Leta Sauls. Mrs. Sauls introduced her daughter to a man she deeply respected, Earl Smith, and they were married on February 21, 1980. With this union, she was blessed with two step-children, Mary and George. Earl preceded Bobbe in death on January 3rd, 2012.
Bobbe never seemed to find a job too big to tackle; she was a hard working woman on the farm and around home. Bobbe spent her life caring for her home and family, who were her pride and joy. She donated many hours of love and labor to the Stamford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She kept the hospital gift shop stocked with merchandise, much of which she personally purchased and donated. Bobbe worked endless hours trying to make the patients’ rooms at the hospital warm and inviting with decorations, wallpaper and paint. She also spent countless hours working in the Pink Lady’s store in Stamford.
Throughout her life, Bobbe was an avid athlete and her favorite sport was tennis. As a young girl of 12, she advanced to the state tennis tournament. She often spent her practice time hitting tennis balls against the garage door of her family home. She played and traveled with a tennis league out of Abilene for a number of years, even winning a USTA League local championship in 1995 at the age of 68. As a member of the Stamford Country Club, she tended to the upkeep of the tennis court and learned to play golf to participate in the Lady Golfers Association and play in tournaments with Earl.
Survivors include her daughter Becky Hamrick and husband Steve of The Woodlands, TX, two sons, Joe Frazier and wife Sharon of Santa Barbara, CA, Greg Frazier and wife Joni of Fort Worth, TX and two step children, George Smith and wife Judith of Fort Worth, TX and Mary Cisek and husband Danny of Carmel, Ind., six grandchildren, Leta Deithloff and husband Tim, Brian Frazier and wife Colette, Ben Frazier and wife Alice, Luci Wedeking and husband Zane, Kristin Haterius and husband Sven and Cortney Frazier; 5 step grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 6 step great grandchildren, niece Jackie Moore and nephew Jim Gearhart.
Bobbe was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, a brother Joe Turner and his daughter Jo Nell Weinacht.
Cremation Services have been selected and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 am Saturday, September 28th, 2013 at Central Presbyterian Church of Stamford, Texas with reverend Jacob West officiating and under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home in Stamford.
Memorials in her honor may be sent to Ben Richey Boys Ranch, 501 Ben Richey Drive, Abilene, TX 79602.