Bobbie Rae Lerblance

Bobbie Rae Karr Lerblance, 83, of Checotah, OK was called to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, September 7th 2021 in Muskogee. She was born March 2nd, 1938 to John and Lue Vena (Hood) Karr. She was one of eight children. She graduated from Checotah High School in 1956.

Bobbie married Andrew ‘Frank’ Lerblance Sr. on May 17, 1958 at the First Baptist Church Parsonage in Checotah, Ok.

Bobbie’s first job was as a waitress at Katy Café. This is also where she met her future husband, Frank. Bobbie later worked as a seamstress and eventually retired from White Stag Sewing Factory. Growing up, Bobbie made beautiful clothes for her sisters and later for her kids and grandkids. She loved to make matching outfits for her daughter Vicki and granddaughters Mandy and Rachael.

She was heavily involved in the local community serving in many different roles.  She served as Council Member of Ward 3 from 1981-1993, City Council President from 1985-1993, and later Mayor of Checotah 1986-1987. In 1987, she was named McIntosh County Democrats “Citizen of the Year”’.  Bobbie was bestowed the Key to the city of Checotah on November 12, 1993.

Bobbie was instrumental in the creation and building of the Checotah Senior Activity Center. She worked with Salvation Army and helped coordinate bell-ringing volunteers during the holiday season.  She also helped find housing for those in need through a variety of programs.  Her legacy lives on in several building plaques in Checotah. She was a member of the Board of Directors for Options Inc.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church and taught the six-year-old Sunday School class for 32 years.

Bobbie was a loyal and loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, GG, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life, Frank; her brothers, Robert and Richard Karr; her sisters, Billie Amoruso, Gloria “Susie” Trusley, Patsy Patterson, Annabelle Payne, Mary Morgan; grandson William ‘Drew’ Lerblance and daughter in law, Kim Lerblance.

She is survived by her children, Vicki Spessard and her husband Chuck of Tahlequah; Andrew ‘Andy’ Lerblance Jr. of Checotah; her grandchildren Mandy Boulden and her husband Rob of Edmond; Matt Spessard of Oklahoma City; and Rachael Grayson and her husband Ian of Edmond. Bobbie was blessed with five great-grandchildren, Samara, Becca, Audrey, Connor, and Kira and two great-great-grandchildren Aubreana and Bella. Bobbie is also survived by step-son Jim Lerblance and grandchildren Jason, Nick, and Lianna Lerblance.  She was beloved by many other family, friends, and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Options Inc:  1129 White Stag Avenue Checotah, OK 74426 or https://optionsinc.org/donations

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