Roberta "Bobbi" Eller (née Reed)

Roberta “Bobbi” Eller quietly passed away at home on August 6, 2025, after a brief period of ill health. Born in Washington, D.C., on March 10, 1943, Bobbi spent her early childhood in Chicago, where she delighted in the warmth of the Jewish community and cherished the vibrant museums that shaped her curiosity.

In her teenage years, her family moved west in pursuit of a brighter future and more open land, settling in Puyallup, Washington. There, Bobbi found joy and purpose in 4‑H, raising and showing a prize cow at the Puyallup Fair—and later selling that very cow to help put herself through college at Washington State University. It was at WSU (“Go Cougs!”) that fate introduced her to her future husband, Richard “Dick” Eller.

They embarked on life together amid the disciplined rhythm of military life—moving fifteen times during Dick’s early years in the Air Force during which Bobbi gave birth to their first daughter, Michelle. Their journey eventually led them to Spokane, Washington, to be closer to family. There, while expecting their second daughter, Suzanna, Bobbi completed her degree in Biology at Whitman College.

Bobbi’s lifelong love of animals shone brightly in her professional and volunteer work. As Education Curator at Spokane’s Walk in the Wild Zoo, she introduced countless local children to the wonder of reptiles, mammals, and birds—bringing live examples to schools across the region. She also inspired youth as a Camp Fire troop leader and supported theater productions in Spokane as a stage manager and animal wrangler at both Children's and Spokane Civic Theaters. Within her Jewish community, Bobbi was an active force at Temple Beth Shalom serving on the board of and participating in Hadassah and Sisterhood groups.

Her deep bond with Golden Retrievers defined much of her adult life. She bred, raised, and showed these beloved dogs, helping connect many families with lifelong canine companions. Her involvement spanned local clubs to the national stage, forging friendships with fellow enthusiasts across the country.

In 1996, Bobbi and Dick relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. There, she continued her service through Hadassah and the Golden Retriever Club, eventually joining the Golden Retriever Club of America as National Magazine Sales Manager—a role she embraced with passion.

But above all, Bobbi treasured her role as “Bubbe.” She reveled in watching her grandchildren—Ben, Lilah, and Noah—grow, and delighted in sharing travels with them, whether in Mexico or Disneyland.

Bobbi is survived by her devoted daughters, Michelle (and husband Jeff) and Suzanna (and husband Aron); her adoring grandchildren Ben, Lilah, and Noah; as well as her brother Rico, sister-in‑law Myrna, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. They, along with countless friends and colleagues, will carry her memory with love and gratitude.

Donations in her memory may be made to Hadassah or the Golden Retriever Club of America.