Bobbye Scheidler

Bobbye (Savage) Scheidler of Urbandale, Iowa passed away on April 19, 2013 ending a courageous journey with Multiple System Atrophy. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, especially during the past two years when she maintained her trademark zest for living even as her body weakened.

Bobbye and her twin Bonnye were born in Des Moines Iowa on March 12, 1946 to Ruth and Bob Savage. She was a proud alumna of East High School in Des Moines and the University of Northern Iowa.

Bobbye had a way with children and was a spectacular mom, always ready for action and quick with a hug. She delighted in wrangling her grandsons and loved showering her long-awaited granddaughter in tutus and fairy wings. Bobbye shared her passion for children with countless families teaching preschool for nearly twenty years, many at Plymouth Nursery School in Des Moines. Going out in public with her was being in the entourage of a rock star, as tiny groupies emerged from every direction shouting “Hi, Miss Bobbye!” She also extended her compassion to many young students as an audiometrist with the Area Education Association. And for several years, Bobbye spread her cheer and warmth into the one-room school house at Living History Farms as the apron bedecked school marm. In recent years, she found huge joy and fulfillment volunteering with “her girls” in the reading program at Holy Family School.

Bobbye loved adventure and with her dear friends and family traveled the world looking for it! Favorites were Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Ireland and the Caribbean. From re-enacting the “Sound of Music” through the streets of Salzburg with her daughter and son-in-law to dining with her beloved husband in Nautilus, a tree house restaurant in Australia, to exploring beautiful Colorado with her son, Bobbye was up for anything. She had a need for speed, whether zip-lining in Antigua or jet-skiing in The Ozarks and Sun Valley Lake - the faster the better for her if not her passengers! She nurtured a love for fitness, reading, the game of tennis, and beaches of any kind in any part of the world.

Bobbye’s wit, caring nature, and engaging personality drew to her a large circle of friends from many walks of life. She was famous for her remarkable flare, and lucky were those who benefited from her gracious, elegant entertaining. She was always up for hosting a baby shower or throwing a luncheon – no one left her house without gift of chocolate or other yummy morsel! And friends could always rely on her readiness for consultation on any shopping excursion at a moment’s notice.

Bobbye lives on in the hearts and memories of her husband of 44 years, Sam, as well as her daughter Devani (James Kearney) of Portland, OR and son Matt of Denver, CO. Bobbye’s grandchildren – Finn, Wheaton, Jude and Rossi - were the apples of her eye. Bobbye is also survived by her sister Lynda Simon. She was preceded in death by her parents and twin sister.

The family gives a special thanks to Bobbye’s caretaker and friend, Lynette Thornton, and to Mercy Hospice for their care and compassion.

A celebration of Bobby's life will be held on Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Grand Hall at the Temple for the Performing Arts, 1011 Locust Street in Des Moines, IA.

Condolences may be left for the family at www. HamiltonsFuneralHomes.com. Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Family School Inner-City Youth Foundation, P.O. Box 8437, Des Moines, IA 50301.

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