Barbara “Bobbie” Louise Figgins

Barbara “Bobbie” Louise Figgins, 89, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2018, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She did not wish to have services at her time of death, but to be returned to Colorado, where she was born.

Bobbie was born July 30, 1929, in La Junta, Colorado, the daughter of Charles Walter and Nora Owretha (McDoniel) McClain. She, therefore, would proudly share that she was a double “Mc”. She enjoyed a successful career as an administrator at the University of Kansas for 23 years before she retired. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, was a competitive bridge player, and enjoyed bowling.

She married Lyman Dean Figgins on February 5, 1954 in Raton, NM. He preceded her in death on October 14, 1997. Survivors include their daughter, Retha Lee Nightingale, Rolla, MO; four grandchildren (Ted and Katharine by Retha, and Patrick and Jesse by Carol); and four great grandchildren (two by Patrick and two by Jesse). She was also preceded in death by their daughter, Carol A. Moore; two sisters, Charlene Phifer and Owretha Helton; and a brother, Charles Walter McClain, Jr. Bobbie loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren so very dearly.

Bobbie described herself as a spirit. She loved her church and would be seated at the entrance prior to Sunday service, warmly greeting people in Christian fellowship. She loved Jesus our Savior. The children loved her for sneaking chocolate candy to them. Bobbie has been described as a true beauty, a force of nature, either entirely “in” or entirely “out”, and generously offering praise as well as criticism. Bobbie would often host gatherings in her garage with chardonnay on lovely Lawrence afternoons with her neighbors, with lots of laughter. The staff loved her at Pioneer Ridge for her spunk. She knew Jayhawk basketball inside out and she loved her Jayhawks.

The family would like to express appreciation to Elaine Kennedy for her care and support, the EMT’s of the Lawrence Fire Department who helped Bobbie stay in her own home a little longer, Dr. Imber for her excellent medical care, Lawrence Memorial Hospital nursing staff, and Pioneer Ridge staff for loving professional care.