Obituary of Bobbie Jo Soleau
Bobbie Jo Smith was born on August 4, 1953 in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of eight children born from the union of Robert J. and Donna J. (Volpi) Smith. Bobbie attended Monroe High School and would continue her education by earning an Associate’s degree in accounting from Monroe County Community College. In 1975, Bobbie wed the love of her life, Richard M. Soleau in Monroe. The couple would be blessed with a daughter, Kathy.
For many years, while living in Monroe, Bobbie worked as a realtor for Haynes Realty and as a Fiscal Control Analyst for Monroe County Mental Health. Most recently she was employed as a bookkeeper for Macon County, North Carolina before retiring in 2015.
Being the eldest daughter, Bobbie was naturally a mother figure to her younger siblings. She was everyone’s rock, but especially to her husband, daughter, and grandchildren. Bobbie’s deep love for family extended to many branches of the family tree and she looked forward to family reunions where she could visit and catch up with each and every one of them. She especially cherished time spent with her granddaughter, Brooke, who lived nearby in North Carolina. Bobbie had a deep appreciation for nature and cultivated beautiful flower gardens. She always kept her Kindle close at hand as she enjoyed reading books and keeping up with family and friends on social media. A woman of strong Christian faith, Bobbie, was a parishioner of Cullasaja Assembly of God Church in Franklin, North Carolina and Grape Church in Monroe, Michigan.
Bobbie Jo Soleau, age 68, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday; January 1, 2022. Her passing was preceded by her maternal grandparents: Joe and Arletta Volpi; parents: Robert and Donna Smith; a sister: Betty Winkleman; a brother: Robert J. Smith Jr.; sister in-law: Peggy Smith; and three nephews: Steven Ridner, Justin Uran, and Jacob Uran.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her beloved husband of forty-six years: Richard Soleau; one daughter: Kathy (Brian) Yensch; a granddaughter: Brooke Lagace; a grandson: Todd Lagace; three sisters: Arletta “Kay” Uran, Donna (Richard) Fussell, and Tina (Earl) Standifer; two brothers: James “Bo” Smith and Roy Smith; several nieces and nephews; and a feathery friend: “Moses”, her pet bird whom she rescued from an abusive owner.
Friends may gather on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 9:30 to 11:30am at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Bobbie’s Life will be held at 11:30am also at Merkle’s followed by a procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com
