Barbara Louise (Bobbye) McGraw passed away on April 26, 2024 in Garland, Texas. Bobbye was born on March 26, 1930 in Honey Grove, Texas to parents Sydney and Vera Galbraith, the second of eight children. She graduated from Honey Grove High School and moved to Garland with her family, where she worked as a secretary. In 1955, she married Robert Otto (Doc) Neilson, also from Honey Grove. After several years of moving frequently in support of his career in oil & gas exploration, they settled in Lacombe, Louisiana, where they raised their daughter, Laura Louise.
Following the untimely death of Doc in 1970, Bobbye and Laura returned to Garland to be closer to family. In December 1982, Bobbye was blessed to marry Weldon Maurice (Joe) McGraw. Bobbye and Joe had many happy years together until his passing in 2014. Their lives were full with friends, camping clubs, spending summers in Colorado, and enjoying their five grandchildren and special dog, Josephine. They were long time members of First Methodist Church in Garland.
Bobbye was blessed in recent years with the birth of five great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Her dog, Grace, was a faithful protector and constant companion. Her later years with filled with daily devotionals, china club painting activities, good neighbors, her Mexican Train group, church on TV with David Jeremiah, and countless episodes of Gunsmoke. Until her final days, Bobbye was a “busy bee” who devoted constant time and energy to helping others in any way she could.
Bobbye is survived by her daughter Laura and son in law, Paul; bonus daughter, Joanne and son in law, Jon; grandchildren and spouses Robin and Kyle Anderson, Kathleen Wallace, Jessie Redmon, Wade and Shirley Stidham, and Joseph Stidham. Her great grandchildren are Violet and Ruby Wallace, Stella and Micah Anderson, and Thomas Stidham. Surviving siblings are Beth Fine, Thomas Galbraith and wife, Sonja, and Cynthia Galbraith. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 3, 2024 at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
The family requests that memorials to honor Bobbye be made to support First Methodist Church in Garland, the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or to the charity of your choice.