Bobbye Jean Simpson passed away on February 2, 2009. She was the youngest of eight children born to Bill and Molly Anderson on January 26, 1930. She is survived by two brothers, Jack Anderson of Houston, Texas and Joe Anderson of Independence, Missouri; daughter Becky O'Connor of Pasco; grandchildren, Kevin O'Connor of Portland, Kenny O'Connor of Portland, Katie O'Connor of Pullman; son, Reed Simpson, daughter-in-law Judy Simpson of Pasco; daughter Cappi Santos, son-in-law Mike Santos, granddaughter Francesca Santos of Alameda, California; daughter, Amy Simpson of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Kenneth Simpson of Richland.

Bobbye's schooling included Seminole High School and NorthEastern State College, both in Oklahoma, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education. While in college, Bobbye was elected president of Sigma Sigma Sigma her beloved sorority.

Bobbye was a gifted educator. Her first job was teaching P.E. and health in Borger, Texas, where she met a handsome young teacher at her school named Kenneth R. (Bud) Simpson. They fell in love and were soon married and had four children.

Bobbye and Bud had numerous travels visiting most of the 50 states and Mexico in their motor home, plus spending time in Australia and many European cities. They moved many times in their years together making friends wherever they lived. Richland, Washington, was their home base and this was where Bobbye's amazing ability as a teacher touched the lives of many fifth graders. She taught at Jefferson, Sacagawea, Jason Lee and Hanford elementary schools.

Bobbye was raised during the Depression and WWII on a farm where hard work was a daily routine. She was a woman way ahead of her time, always speaking up for the equal rights of women and minorities. She cared so much about this country and was a proud Democrat who was extremely happy with the recent election of our new president.

Bobbye had a great gift of gab and enjoyed watching sports, especially her favorite team the Oklahoma University Sooners. She recently won an essay contest which gave her the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Mariner game.

Bobbye was a great adventurer which took her to places most people only dream of. She passed this love of travel on to her kids and grandkids. Her many friends, family and former students will miss her. There will never be anyone quite like Bobbye Jean.

Her memorial service will be on Friday, February 6, at 2:00 at the Grace Baptist Church on the corner of Union and 10th Avenue, in Kennewick.