Bobbie A. Holcombe

Bobbie A. Holcombe, age 93, of Garnett, Kansas passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Golden Heights, Garnett, Kansas. Bobbie was born Grace Allan Whitacre on February 15, 1922 in Cardiff, Wales, the daughter of Herbert and Jessica (Allan) Whitacre. She grew up in Wales, England and Scotland. Her family lived in London during W.W.II. Bobbie immigrated to the United States in 1948, taking the name of Bobbie at that time. Bobbie was united in marriage to Paul Burdette Holcombe in Denver, Colorado in 1949. They made their home in Denver until purchasing several acres of Ozark timber near Rover, Missouri, where they operated a dairy farm and Bobbie established Hambeldon Kennels. In 1961 they moved to Nebraska for a short period before moving to Greeley, Kansas. Bobbie then began working at the state hospital in Osawatomie. She later moved to Winfield, working in the state hospital there. She then returned to work at the hospital in Osawatomie as a Licensed Mental Health Technician 2, working there until her retirement in 1984. She eventually made her home in Garnett where she lived for the last 40 years of her life. Her final few years were spent living at Golden Heights in Garnett, Bobbie came to consider some of the staff there as family. One of Bobbie's strongest passions throughout her life was her love of dogs. She raised, trained and showed dogs for many years, earning some of the highest accolades in her respective fields. Bobbie was raised as a "city person" with an opportunity to be indulged, but upon coming to America she chose to live a country style of life that let her enjoy her animals and nature. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Jean Hasti and Betty Kerney; and her daughter, Brenda Holcombe Welsh in May 2014. Bobbie is survived by her daughter, Sally Trickey and husband John of Parker, Kansas; three grandchildren, Matthew Espey, Mike Espey, and Peter Wilber; and four great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, 219 S. Oak, Garnett. Burial will follow in Parker Cemetery, Parker, Kansas. The family will greet friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials contributions may be made to Salesian Missions and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com