Bobbie Inez Woolf Bishop

Bobbie Inez Woolf-Bishop, 75, of Phoenix passed away on January 26th, 2023. She was proud to be a fourth generation Arizonan who was born on May 19, 1947, in Phoenix, Arizona. When she was a young child, Bobbie had a fall which led to several medical procedures, a full kidney nephrectomy, and frequent dialysis until she was thirteen. She was resolved to embrace life and everything it had to offer despite her medical issues. From 1961 until 1965, Bobbie attended Cortez High School. During her time in high school, she was a Cheerleader, on the POM squad, played Tennis, and was a Homecoming attendant and royalty. She was also a member of the Girl’s Athletic Association, participated in Journalism, served as a class officer, and was chosen to attend Girls State. Her senior year she was voted best personality by her peers. After high school, Bobbie took classes related to science and medicine from Phoenix College, ASU, and Utah State. She lived abroad while working at an American military base in Germany and developed an interest in homeopathic medicine. When she returned home she continued her studies, got married, and had a son. Bobbie had several careers related to science and medicine, she worked as a researcher at Barrows Neurological Institute, a patient advocate for medical insurance companies, an esthetician, and massage therapist. She also found time to volunteer for the Phoenix Zoo Auxiliary, Art Museum, and for Dr. Gladys McGarey and The Foundation for Living Medicine. She also served on the board of Southwest Healthcare Credit Union and the Willo Historic Neighborhood. Bobbie’s spirituality and integrity were paramount in her life, health and friendships. She loved working with her hands in the garden, restoring old homes, and reupholstering furniture. She loved animals, the smell of desert rain, and traveling all over the southwest. She always enjoyed time with family and friends, and never passed up good Mexican food or margarita. Bobbie is survived by: her son Erik Erspamer (Chris Cwierz); daughter Lt. Natalie Bishop (Lt. Kim Motto); son Michael Bishop (Jen Bishop), grandchildren Owen and Ava; niece Lori Smith (Scott Smith), and her beloved cat Willis Andrew. Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband Gary J. Bishop; mother Martha Inez Wilman (Woolf/Barbee); father Wallace Fred Woolf; and sister Hallye Richardson (Larry Richardson). A Celebration of Bobbie Inez Woolf-Bishop’s life will be held on April 14th, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm at Aunt Chiladas Squaw Peak. Food, drinks and happy memories will be shared. The event will be hosted on the outside covered patio.