Roberta Wheeler
Oct. 7, 1922-May 26, 2011
Palo Alto, California
Bobbie died Thursday, May 26, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Roderick Wheeler, daughters Rebecca Ann Wheeler of Mountain View and Caroline Wheeler of Mendocino, son-in-law Craig Ritchey, grandchildren Jed and Ginny Ritchey, David and Janelle Ritchey, and great granddaughters Nancy Sue and Haley Ritchey.
Bobbie endured 10 long years of ovarian cancer treatment with a remarkably positive attitude that allowed her to enjoy many additional milestones, including becoming great grandmother to twin girls, now 5 years old, and the wedding of her grandson, David.
Bobbie was the only child of Leland Stanford Prior Jr. and Dorothy Martha Davis, who were married in Santa Cruz. She was born on October 7, 1922, in Berkeley and grew up in the Bay Area attending Palo Alto schools. She had a lifelong interest in tap dancing and was known for her special ?tap sound.? In 1936 she entered Paly High. She was strong in academics and popular and won personal awards including prettiest, sweetest and friendliest. In her senior year, served as secretary to the Board of Commissioners.
In 1940, Bobbie entered U. C. Berkeley, an event which was recognized with a photograph and story in the San Francisco press because she was a direct descendant of the university founder. She joined Kappa Kappa Gamma and later became rush chairman. As a freshman, she was one of five candidates for ?Big Game Queen.? She earned an honorary certificate in biochemistry. After 3 years at Berkeley, accepted a wedding proposal from her high school sweetheart Rod, and they were married on January 1, 1944, in Stanford church with honeymoon in Carmel.
After a prolonged bout with tuberculosis, she raised 3 daughters, Nancy Prior Ritchey (born 1945 and pre-deceased in 1995), Rebecca Ann Wheeler (1952) of Mountain View, and Caroline Wheeler (1958) of Mendocino. Becky said her mom was warm, nurturing, fun, interested in life and took a keen interest in other people. Becky and Bobbie had an especially close relationship and enjoyed many activities together: tennis, Zumba dancing and traveling.
After her children were grown, Bobbie trained for and worked nine years as a medical assistant at Stanford University Hospital and Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Actively involved in many organizations: P.E.O., Garden Club, Gamble Garden and the American Cancer Society. Also interested in sports, including tennis, golf, jazzercise and classes at the Ross Road YMCA. Was a charter member of Foothills Tennis and Swim Club, and her 3.0 tennis team won a national championship in Tucson, Arizona, when Bobbie was 73. Also fond of bridge, reading, gardening, home decorating and was excellent cook. Enjoyed many luncheons with groups of former high school friends.
On mother?s side, was a seventh California generation ancestor of Pablo Cota, who worked with Father Junipero Serra on El Camino Real missions. Her ancestor Samuel Hopkins Willey was a leader and chaplain in the first California state capital in Monterey in 1849 and later president of U. C. Berkeley. On her father?s side, was a fourth generation descendant of James Knight Prior who arrived in San Francisco penniless at an early age selling household products on street. Eventually started a successful plumbing and heating business which installed San Jose?s first gas street lights. He built a summer mansion in 1887 on 30 acres of Middlefield Road opposite Flood Park. Bobbie?s grandfather inherited 15 acres of this land and built a large residence designed by Birge Clark. The school district later condemned about 7 acres and constructed current Encinal School on the property. Bobbie?s father inherited remaining land and built a new residence at end of Prior Lane.
A celebration of Bobbie?s life will be held on Tuesday, June 28 at 2 p.m. at First Congregational church (Louis and Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto) followed by a reception at Foothills Tennis and Swimming Club (3351 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to Palo Alto Garden Club or American Cancer Society.
