Krehbiel, Roberta Brown
Roberta Brown Krehbiel, known to her friends as Bobbye, of Albuquerque, died on June 17, 2016. She was 69 years old.
Bobbye believed in philanthropy, was actively involved in Healing the Children - Southwest Chapter, and also served on the Board of Directors of the nation-wide parent organization. Locally, she served variously as Board President, acting Executive Director, Medical Mission Coordinator, grant writer, and member of the Board of Directors.
Bobbye grew up in Albuquerque. She graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1964, and from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1968. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education and Counseling from UNM in 1972, and a PhD in Special Education & Neuropsychology in 1984. Her dissertation was in neuropsychology. She was a member of the newborn intensive care unit at UNM Hospital for a number of years, providing family counselling as well as education to members of the medical staff in issues unique to pediatric care and the involvement of families of the young patients.
While an undergraduate at UNM Bobbye was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, was a member of the Chaparrals Dance Team, a Lobo cheerleader, and a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. Bobbye was a traveler. During her lifetime she visited 42 countries, 7 continents and 46 US States. She and her husband Phil lived and traveled on a sailboat for nearly three years, going from the Canadian border in the Pacific northwest to the Chesapeake Bay on the Atlantic seaboard.
Bobbye is survived by her husband Phil Krehbiel; daughter Sara Bonnell of Albuquerque, Sara’s husband Ted Bonnell; son John Krehbiel of Berlin, Germany, John’s wife Rebekka Stettner; and grandchildren Thomas and Sophia Bonnell. Bobbye also leaves two sisters and their families: Sharyn Davidson of Sandia Park, New Mexico, and Mary Leslie of Santa Barbara, California.
Bobbye passed away peacefully after having spent the last four years battling ovarian cancer. Her remains have been cremated. The family is planning to celebrate Bobbye’s life with family and friends at a time and location to be determined within the next week. Memorials honoring Bobbye can be made by a donation to Healing the Children - Southwest Chapter, 1112 San Pedro SE, #203, Albuquerque, NM 87110.