Bobbie Jean Garza

Bobbie Jean “Bobino” Garza was born on November 15, 1936, the youngest daughter to John and Laura Bobino. Early in Bobbie’s life, she fell seriously ill and had to have a kidney removed.   Many people thought that Bobbie would not live to be 20 years old. She defied these odds and went on to wed Joe Garza Jr. on August 21, 1964. This was truly a match made in heaven. Joe had a work ethic and friendly demeanor that was unmatched and Bobbie was a fighter who had a fierce love for her husband, her children, her family and friends. Bobbie loved and cherished her children, Melissa and Michael and being their mother was her greatest joy in life. She always supported them whether it was helping Melissa with her love of dance and twirling or Michael’s many years of playing baseball. Bobbie never missed their performances or games as this gave her great joy.

Bobbie’s love of her family carried over to the way she cared for and loved the many children she kept over 50 years. A testament to the loving care that Bobbie gave these children was apparent when she continued to care for the offspring of the original children she kept. Many of the adults and children she watched continued to visit with Bobbie and Joe throughout their lives. Blake and Laken McClelland were frequent visitors and had a special place in Bobbie’s heart. Bobbie truly was the heart and soul of the Garza home.  

Of all the children she kept, the one that held the most special place in her heart was her granddaughter, Alexandra. Being Maw Maw to Alex was a role she cherished. In Alex’s early years, Bobbie enjoyed Alex spending the night, buying all the fun toys and wanting her to have all the wonderful things life could offer. Towards the end, Alex and Maw Maw enjoyed talking about Alex’s life in Austin and her new dog, Ollie. The love they shared was very special.

Like many women of her era, Bobbie loved baseball. Bobbie was a devoted and loyal fan of the Houston Astros and painfully endured watching them lose for many years. Even though she was quite ill, Bobbie watched every Astros game she could and was overjoyed when they finally won the 2017 National Championship.

Bobbie, loved her special four-legged friends, including her grand-dogs Max and Lucy. Max was by her side when she died.

Bobbie is survived by her two children, Melissa (Dennis) Sample and Michael Garza; grandchildren, Alexandra Garza, Kayla Sample and Donovan Sample; Sisters, Johnnie (Wally) Kaspar; Annie Ruth (Marvin) Laurent and brother Tommy (Brenda) Bobino. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Garza, Jr.; parents, John and Laura Bobino, and sister, Doris Craus.

Bobbie is also survived by the countless nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children she loved and cared for during her life.

A rosary for Bobbie Garza will be recited at 4:30 p.m., Monday, April 16, 2018, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas followed by a viewing for family and friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box, 841125, Dallas, Texas 75284.

Special Thanks

Melissa and Michael would like to extend our sincere thanks to Kindred Hospice. The love, support, care and kindness Kindred Hospice showed for Bobbie during the past 5 months is something the we will always be grateful for. We especially appreciate everyone who came to our house to care for and treated Bobbie during her final journey of life. They are: Stacy Durin, Meosha Cruse, Kristin Wilson, Amber, Kat, Victor, Greg Edwards (chaplain), Ron Harris (chaplain) and everyone who answered our after-hour calls. Thank you all for being a part of our lives, giving your hugs, encouragements and prayers to get the family through this process. We couldn’t do it without you. Each one of you have a very special gift you share in our community. Thank you. You will forever be in our hearts.

Michael and I would also want to thank Monsignor Jerry and Deanna Hinterberger for visiting Bobbie weekly giving the sacrament, encouragement and prayers. It was their encouragement and visits that help us get through this journey.

Above all else, we will always remember Bobbie as the very special, gentle, kind, loving person that always had a smile on her face and who would never let you leave her sight without saying “…I love you more”.

The family appreciates your kindness and invites you to celebrate her legacy and life.