Roberta Lorraine Rivers

Bobbie was born on March 26, 1931, in Duluth, Minnesota, and grew up in Wethersfield, Connecticut. In 1950, she met her future husband, William (Bill) Henry Rivers, Jr., on a blind double date. After a brief courtship, they married and shared 49 wonderful years together.

When Bobbie married Bill, she lovingly embraced his two young children from a previous marriage, and together they added four more to the family—creating a lively and full household. A natural caretaker, Bobbie devoted herself to motherhood, balancing family life while working nights as Bill worked days to ensure their children were well cared for.

Professionally, Bobbie worked for the State of California before joining the University of California, Davis, where she served in the Internal Medicine Department at the teaching hospital. She retired from UC Davis with the affectionate nickname “The Eternal Sergeant,” a testament to her strong leadership and “get it done” spirit. Known for her efficiency and humor, she often said she was simply an “adult babysitter” as she helped recruit doctors from around the world for residency programs.

Bobbie and Bill shared a love of the outdoors and spent many happy times at Bear River Lake Resort in Pioneer, California. Their fondness for the area led them to purchase a home there, where days were spent fishing—Bobbie often catching more than Bill—and evenings filled with laughter, music, and dancing as Bill played the organ for friends.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Ruby Peterson; her sister, Nina; brother, Eddie; her beloved husband, Bill; and children, Thomas Rivers, James Rivers, Carol Rivers, and Billy Rivers.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Brown; son, John Rivers; daughter-in-law, Stacie Rivers; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Bobbie was an avid reader who especially enjoyed John Grisham novels. She treasured family gatherings, where competitive card games were a favorite pastime. Known for her mischievous grin and playful humor, she often declared “Poor Bobbie!” as she swiped the winning cards from her opponents.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to LBJ Medical Center for their kindness and compassionate care during Bobbie’s final days.

A private celebration of life will be held during the holidays when family and friends can gather together in her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bobbie’s name to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) at macular.org.