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Bobbi Oates
In Memory of
Bobbi K.
Oates
1943 - 2015
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Obituary for Bobbi K. Oates

Bobbi Karen Workman Watts Oates, 72, of Scott Depot, WV, formerly of Kimberly, WV passed on from this life the morning of February 27, 2015 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston after a courageous, graceful and brief battle with cancer. She left to be reunited with her beloved son - William “Bill” Ray Watts, her husband – Charles “Charlie” Dale Watts, her husband – Robert “Bob” Lee Oates, and her parents – Elizabeth and Bill Workman who all preceded her in death.
Bobbi was born on February 2, 1943 in Kimberly, WV in Fayette County. If addressed by her given name Barbara, she would correct you and say her name is “Bobbi”. Bobbi attended Montgomery High School and graduated in 1960 and then attended Capitol City Commercial College in Charleston. She was the first person hired in 1961 by the WV State Tax Department to set up the state’s fledgling personal income tax system. She worked for the tax department until her retirement in October, 2004. Her first husband, Charlie, was her supervisor in the tax department. Bobbi said she wanted to be the boss so she married him. Bobbi and Charlie enjoyed 26 years together where Charlie treated her like a queen. They had one son, William “Bill” Ray. Bill Ray was the love of her life and Bobbi was so proud of his work as a volunteer firefighter and emergency response dispatcher. When Charlie died in 1993, she thought her life was over. But then she met her second husband, Bob Oates. They enjoyed 6 years together traveling, restoring vintage Jaguars and visiting family and friends. Through Bob, she learned she could love again. Bobbi lost her second husband Bob to cancer and then 3 years later she lost her son due to complications after a kidney transplant operation.
Through all the tragedy in her life, she persevered and made it through with strength, humor and a beautiful spirit. She wanted to use her life experiences as a way to help others so she became a Hospice volunteer in the bereavement department where she served for 10 years. Her strength, zest for life, authenticity and supportive nature will live on in the lives of those she touched.
Bobbi was loved by many but especially loved by her family. She is survived by her brother, Allan Workman and his wife Jo. Her niece Karen Workman and husband Steve Neu; great nephews Connor Bragg and Alec Neu; great niece Ashley Haston. Her niece Amy Affolter and husband Darin; great nieces Aubrie and Karoline Affolter and great nephew Stephan Affolter. Her sister-in-law Rebecca Moreno and husband Mark; niece Amie and nephew Tony Moreno.
A celebration of Bobbi’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3 at the Kimberly Church of God in Kimberly, WV with Chaplin Pete Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Montgomery Memorial Park, London. Family and friends may visit from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 2 at O’Dell Funeral Home in Montgomery, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Curtis Price Way, Charleston, WV 25311. Envelopes will be provided by the funeral home.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses at CAMC General and CAMC Memorial Hospital – especially 5-South for their love and care. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Hubbard Hospice House for their kindness and comfort they provided.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.odellfuneralhome.com
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