Barbara Jean “Bobbie” McDonald, 86, of Omaha, NE, passed away on November 15, 2020. Bobbie was born on October 29, 1934 in McCrory, AR to Roy Ralph Sr. and Bessie Myers.

She was preceded in death by her husband Travis, her parents, sister Patsy Brown and brother Roy Ralph Jr.

Bobbie is survived by daughters Elizabeth (Beth) McDonald of Santa Barbara, CA and Carolyn Olesen of Tecumseh, NE, brother James Myers of Houston, TX, grandson Abel Hamilton, and many nieces and nephews.

She graduated from McCrory High School where she was active in athletics and was the drum majorette for the marching band. Bobbie was spirited and adventurous. She approached life with great enthusiasm and energy. Not content with life in a small town, Bobbie was driven to see the world and taste as many different experiences as she could. She believed in continual growth and learning, in never staying static.

In 1955 she married Travis Eugene McDonald (1933-2011, Ret. Maj. USAF).  Throughout their lives together it was clear that they were very much in love. They truly were soulmates. Travis’s military career involved frequent relocation. Bobbie loved travel and was well suited for an Air Force life. She treated each move to a new place as a magnificent adventure.

She had a great capacity for reinventing herself. Everywhere she landed, she would try something new. She began her working career as a secretary. In the late 1960’s she learned to play the guitar and approached her lessons with her usual zeal and determination.  Bobbie became quite accomplished and began teaching the neighborhood kids; she is responsible for dozens of children knowing how to play songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Hotel California.” She also worked for H&R Block, was the EEO officer on the space shuttle project at Vandenberg AFB and was a real estate agent. She continued her education by taking classes at community college for her own enrichment.

Bobbie loved music, especially 70’s rock and pop. She was the “cool” mom to have in high school; she would walk in when we were playing records and say, “Who is that? Turn it up!” Even in her final days her radio was always tuned to a classic rock station.

She was intelligent, confident, playfully sassy, and did not suffer fools lightly. She had a well-defined moral compass and a strong sense of justice. She possessed an amazing reserve of inner strength and fortitude.

Bobbie had two favorite quotes, both of which encapsulate her philosophy: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” - Calvin Coolidge

“Illegitimi non carborundum!” – I’ll let you look this one up for yourselves.

Due to COVID-19, no public service will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your local food bank or the charity of your choice in Bobbie’s name.