Jul 9, 1932 - Mar 13, 2016

Barbara (Bobbie) W. Allison (83), of La Quinta, CA passed away late Sunday evening on March 13, 2016 after bravely battling Alzheimer's for several years. She was born on July 9, 1932 to Anita E. Whiting and Harris M. Whiting in Pomona, CA. She leaves behind her loving husband and caregiver of (62 years) Robert (Bob) Allison, (5) children, (13) grandchildren, and (6) great-grandchildren; some local with others scattered throughout the country.

Bobbie spent her early years growing up and going to school in Claremont, CA. The Second World War called her father back to service and away to Washington, Canada, and Alaska overseeing the construction of military facilities and air bases on the Aleutian Islands. Bobbie, her mother, and sister settled in Seattle, WA. Upon returning to Claremont, after the war ended, she entered Claremont High School and met up again with her childhood friend, Betty (Kunkle) Bradley; with whom she remained "Best Friends" until the end. She loved high school and was a 'song leader' for all four years. She was always outgoing and energetic.

After graduating Claremont High School in 1950, she attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri; graduating in 1952. She returned to Claremont and began working at General Telephone Co, in the drafting department. Her 'Best Friend' Betty set up a blind date with another good friend, Bob Allison. They dated, hit it off great and married on December 20, 1953. After graduating from optometry school, Bob joined the army. They moved with his various assignments, finally settling in Indio in 1958 with their first two children. Bob started his optometry practice and Bobbie became a devoted housewife while also working part time at the Indio and Palm Desert Florist shops. As the family began to grow, she was always proud of the fact that she was a (5th Generation) Californian with her children and eventual grandchildren continuing the legacy. Along with her family, she loved flowers, dogs, and desert tortoises (as well as the numerous other children's pets) and was always devoted to caring for and loving them all. With this life full of responsibilities, Bobbie also found time to be a founding member of the 'CWA' (California Women for Agriculture). She remained active and participated in the set-up and booth coverage, at the National Date Festival, until the last two years.

Following cremation, internment services will be held at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA sometime in April. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations be made to the C.V. Lions Club in the name of Bobbie Allison. (P.O. Box# 1345, Indio CA 92202).

FitzHenry-Wiefels Indio has been entrusted with arrangements.

Riverside National Cemetery - Riverside, CA

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=160925585