Bobbie Pfeister (nee Phillips), of Painesville, Ohio, passed away Thursday, February 11th, 2021 with her family by her side.
Born in Struthers, Ohio, on November 2, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Thomas “Coach” and Margaret “Maude” Phillips. She met the love of her life and devoted husband of 50 years, Ray at Barberton High School as sophomores. From there, she became a dedicated wife, loving mother and football enthusiast.
Bobbie is survived by her husband, Ray; children Derrick (Corey Parkhurst), Ryan (Rachael); grandchildren Trent and Teagan Pfeister; siblings Pat (Ron Nicholson) Sabaii-Nicholson, Tom (Gina) Phillips, John (Joan) Phillips and a large loving family and friends-turned-family.
More than a sport, football was the springboard for so many opportunities, memories and experiences, scores for friends, miles traveled, towns in which they lived and teams to coach and celebrate. During that time, Bobbie worked for a number of schools in a variety of roles. No matter what role, she loved working with the children. In that same spirit, Bobbie was the secretary of the Tom “Red” Phillips Scholarship Fund as she was passionate about supporting Barberton student-athletes who went on to further their education.
If Bobbie was not at a stadium or watching a game, she enjoyed sharing in good times with her family and friends. You always knew where you stood with Bobbie. She was a take-charge, respectful and genuine woman. These are lessons she instilled in all she touched.
Bobbie made the most of every instance and ensured every experience was a memorable one. Her laugh was infectious and a true gift to us all. She will be missed terribly while the many memories she made and inspired will be shared and live on while her friends and family celebrate her.
The Pfeister family will receive family and friends 4:00-7:00 PM Monday, February 15th, 2021 at The Abbey, 38011 Euclid Ave., Willoughby (which is located on the grounds of McMahon Coyne Vitantonio Funeral Home). A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:30 PM Monday at The Abbey of Willoughby. Masks and social distancing required. Jeff Monreal Funeral Home’s Facebook page will begin LIVE filming of the service at 6:30 pm today. Visit https://www.facebook.com/JeffMonrealFuneralHome/ at 6:30 to begin watching the service. If you do not see it on the Facebook page, refresh it and it will appear.
The family would like to especially thank Cleveland Clinic Palliative Care and Tripoint for the comfort and care provided. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Kent State Swipe Out Hunger and Cleveland Covid 19 Rapid Response Fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral and Cremation Services.
Reader interactions
18 Replies to “Roberta “Bobbie” Pfeister (nee Phillips)”
Spent a lot of years and Great times with this family. Still can remember all the New Year’s Day bowl game parties that had a lot of good friends and great times. Teaching and coaching with the family were great times that I will always remember. Bobbie had a great life and will be missed. She was a fighter!!
So sorry for your loss.
Bobbie was a great gal! She was always fun, generous, kind considerate and straight forward! She told as she saw it! She will be sadly missed by all who knew her!
Bobbie was a infectious person and always good for a laugh or story. She will be missed by many who knew her worked with her or just hung out with her at a game. I will forever remember that laugh and smile! Prayers Ray to you and your family at this difficult time.
What a fantastic eulogy this is. Our condolences.
Ray and family , I’m sending my sincere condolences on the loss of Bobbie. Whenever I was around Bobbie she was so fun. Loved being around her.
Bobbie was one of my moms great friends. They shared a ton of laughs together. She will be greatly missed. Say hi to mom for me Bobbie. Rest easy…condolences to you Ray and your family.
Prayers to Ray and family. May God Bless you in your time of need.
Bobby was my best friends sister and a pure example of “the Phillips Way” .Faith ,Family and Friends.That’s how they pay life forward.Bobby while a loving friend also had one of the best right crosses I had the misfortune to experience.
Ray, as you know I am so sorry for your loss, our loss. I am going to miss Bobbie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. I wish you piece and comfort. There are so many great times that all of us have shared together, I will never forget them. To name a few; the time I brought my mother to my football coaching interview with you. Bobbie took her aside as you interviewed me and then told you that you had to hire me because she loved my mom. Bobbie turning me on to cabbage and noodles, yes…the New Year’s Day bowl parties, the many times that we got together with the Johnsons and Kukura’s. The Dominican Republic, Harkers Island, Smith Mountain Lake and the many times in your backyard just to sit around and BS and have a couple beers. I could go on and on. Thank you for being my friend for the past 40+ years. God Bless You!
Many memorable times at the Pfiester house. BOBBIE always made people feel welcome at her home. Many Friday nights, after games spent eating and drinking. Sympathy to Ray and the Kids.
So very very sorry for your loss.. Prayers for the family
Bobbie was a wonderful lady whom we met at a Kent State football game with Ray and a close group of their friends. She left us with some great memories we will cherish forever. Our condolences to her family.
Ray, Derrick and Corey, Ryan and Rachael and the Phillips and Pfeister Families
Your Love Was Deeper
Your Joys Were Greater
Your Life Was Richer
Because You Shared Her Moment.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Ken and Pam Woodruff
Ray, So very sad for your loss. So glad that I was able to see you & Bobbie this past fall enjoying an evening out. Bless you & your family during this difficult time.
Beautiful
Blessed to be part of the
family.
Loved watching her looks and hearing her laugh. .
Love to you all
Cousin Carol
Ray and Family,
Deepest Sympathy to you and your family.
May your many memories bring you comfort.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ray and family,
Sorry for the loss of your beloved wife and mom .Praying for your peace and comfort …
May your many fond memories bring you healing and warm thoughts.
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