Bobbie passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 24, 2014 surrounded by her family after a 2 year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Bobbie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mentor, trailblazer and beloved friend to many.
Barbara Jean Lindquist Sylvester, daughter of Mae Berrey Lindquist was born July 30, 1935 in Soda Spring, ID. She spent many joyful childhood years at her grandparents’ ranch in Dingle, ID. With her brilliant mind and incredible work ethic, she put herself through college, graduating from the University of Utah. She met the love of her life, Ralph Sylvester, in Jackson Hole, WY, and they were married on October 25, 1958 in Salt Lake City, UT. Although Bobbie often joked that being an only child did not prepare her to be the mother of five, she built a strong and loving family and often called on her skills in the kitchen to show her love and to gather people together. She was incredibly proud of her children, who share in their mother’s love of family and adventure and who will pass on Bobbie’s traditions to future generations.
Throughout her life Bobbie was fiercely independent, working a variety of interesting jobs, from secret shopper to substitute teacher, before finding her true calling in the travel industry. Given her passion for meeting people and for seeing the world, she was an extremely successful travel agent for over 30 years. She loved arranging memorable trips for large groups and was the go-to travel agent for school groups for many years. She was a respected leader in the travel industry, serving as president of Rocky Mountain ASTA and later on the ASTA Board of Directors.
Bobbie had a fantastic sense of humor, an inquisitive mind and a passion for sports of all kinds. She was a die-hard Democrat and a tireless advocate for the underdog. After her retirement, she donated her time and talents to Dixie Care and Share, The Dove Center, The Democrats of Southern Utah and the American Association of University Women – eSmart Camp. She dearly loved her friends from the Red Hats, Uppity Women and the Divine Sisterhood of Ellie Perelli. Bobbie has many life-long friendships and loved playing bridge with the ladies. A best friend and mentor to many, she truly loved life and positively impacted all those she knew.
Bobbie is survived by her loving family: her husband, Ralph, St. George, UT; her children, Shauna Finley (Marc), Sandy, UT; Shelly Williams (George), Oak Hills, CA; Scott Sylvester (Ximena) Park City, UT; Suzie Porter (Jason) Worcester, MA; Stan Sylvester (Tara) Park City, UT; and grandchildren, Megan, Kassie, Tyler, Madison, Nicholas, Brooke, Ty, Ashton, Blake; and great granddaughter, Julia. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mae Lindquist, and her grandson Ryan.
A celebration of Bobbie’s life will be held at the Bloomington Country Club (3174 South Bloomington Dr. E, St George, UT 84790) on Thursday, August 28th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. A second celebration will be held in Salt Lake City at Wheeler Farm on Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 2:30 – 4:30 pm. The family would like to thank all of her dear friends who have visited, provided support and helped to care for our sweet mom. Your kindness and love mean the world to us.
Bobbie was passionate about education and opportunities for women. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to AAUW eSMART Camp Scholarship. We have established the Bobbie Sylvester Memorial eSMART Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to AAUW of St. George and reference the Bobbie Sylvester Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 790, St. George, UT 84771.