Barbara "Bobbie" Easterling

Barbara (Bobbie) Easterling, Gigi, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed peacefully at home into the loving arms of Jesus, with her husband of almost 53 years holding her hand on Thursday, June 11, 2015. Bobbie was born in Startex (formerly Turkey Paw), SC, on Jan. 8, 1942. She grew up in Pennington Gap, VA, with 15 brothers and sisters. Growing up, she worked helping her father working the family's tobacco farm. After high school, Bobbie joined the Women's Army Corps, the women's branch of the United States Army, where she served for 1-1/2 years. She was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where she met her soon-to-be husband, Ervin, in early 1962. A seven-month romance ended in marriage on July 28. The couple moved to Texas (Fort Hood) in 1967, and upon retirement from military life in 1969, Bobbie and her husband settled in Azle. While taking care of her family, she earned two associates degrees, one in accounting. She used her accounting knowledge to land a position at Alcon Laboratories, from which she retired in 1996. Reading, rock collecting, sewing, butterflies, gardening, and jigsaw puzzles were a few of her loves. Bobbie's smile could light up a room and was loved by all who knew her. Bobbie is survived by her husband, Ervin, and three daughters: Saundra Melanson (River Oaks), Sharon Huskey (Springtown), and Susan Easterling (Springtown). Her grandchildren, who brought her great joy, Candice Brown, Michael Parker, Cassidy Brown, Cassidy Spilker, Sara Easterling, Cherria Fugitt, 17 great grand children. Father Ollie Freeman. Sisters: Betty Jones, Diana Robbins, Carolyn Hughes, and Shirley White. Brothers: Clyde, Robert, Larry, Ollie Jr, Kenneth, and Danny. Preceding her in death are her mother, Margaret Elaine Freeman, sisters; Judy Short, Charlotte Looney; and brothers: Frank, Emery and Michael Freeman. Memorial gifts may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 2630 West Freeway, Suite 100, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.