Bobbie Charlene (Cooper) Watling

Bobbie Charlene Watling (nee Cooper) passed away in Tacoma, WA on January 1, 2022. She was 86 years old.

Bobbie was born on January 20, 1935 in Violet Hill, Arkansas. The family moved to Wenatchee, WA in 1943. Bobbie graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1952, where she met the love of her life, Bob Watling. They were married on January 23, 1953 and welcomed a daughter, Lori Corrine, on August 1,1954.

Bob’s military career gave them many opportunities to travel. They lived in Washington, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, California, Kansas and Pennsylvania. Bobbie was honored to be the wife of a soldier and proudly upheld her responsibilities as a military spouse. She was an excellent cook and the embodiment of southern hospitality. No one ever left her house without being offered a home-cooked meal and, if needed, a bed to sleep in. In addition to cooking, she enjoyed sewing, decorating her home, and creating beautiful stained-glass art. Bobbie was always full of life and had a wonderful sense of humor. She could take being teased as well as she could dish it out. If she teased you, you knew she liked you!

Bobbie was a devout Christian with unwavering faith. No matter where they lived, she and Bob found a church to attend. They helped establish the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church on Fox Island, WA. Bobbie was both a student, and a teacher of God’s word.

Along with her faith, the most important part of Bobbie’s life was her family. She loved her family more than anything. Family always came first. No one gave better hugs, or made people feel more loved, than she did.

Bobbie is survived by her loving husband, Bob, daughter, Lori Corrine Thoreson (John), sisters Carolyn Edgers (Don), Janet Eakin (Dave), sisters-in-law Judy Cooper and Janette Cooper, granddaughters Hannah Dal Maso (Tony), and Ashley Armey (Wes), and great-grandchildren Allison, Jacob and Emily Dal Maso, and Carson and Grant Armey. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Audie Cooper, brothers Bill Cooper and Duane Cooper and granddaughter, Jessica Thoreson.

The family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Kramp and the staff at Multicare Gig Harbor Primary Care, the staff at Harbor Place at Cottesmore, Gig Harbor, and the staff at The Weatherly Inn, Tacoma. Due to the Covid pandemic, no services are planned at this time. The family suggests making a donation in Bobbie’s name to a favorite charity.

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