Roberta "Bobbie" Helen Mitchell, 78, of Ocean Grove, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and her faithful companion, Pumpkin, in her final days. Born in Williamsport, PA, to the late Robert and Helen Reaser, Bobbie grew up in Montgomery, where she was Drum Major and Valedictorian of the Montgomery High School Class of 1965. She graduated from Kutztown University in 1969 with a degree in Library Education. It was there she met the love of her life, David Mitchell, who swept her off her feet — and then swept her to Ocean Grove — where she would remain for the rest of her life. She later earned a Master of Arts in Media Education from Seton Hall University in 1976. Bobbie devoted her professional life to nurturing young minds as a librarian and media specialist, retiring from Neptune Middle School in 2016.While her professional accomplishments were many, Bobbie's truest and most lasting work unfolded quietly within the life of Ocean Grove. For more than six decades, she was deeply rooted in St. Paul's United Methodist Church and in the fabric of the town itself. She served as a church trustee, sang faithfully in the Chancel and Bell Choirs, and lifted her voice in the Ocean Grove Auditorium Choir. Behind many of Ocean Grove's most cherished traditions stood Bobbie's steady hands. She was an exceptional seamstress and gave countless hours to creating costumes for children's church programs, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association productions, and the beloved Live Nativity. Generations of children stepped into sacred moments dressed in garments she carefully crafted. Her work was rarely spotlighted, but it was foundational — quietly shaping memories that will endure for decades. Alongside her husband, Dave — longtime Lifeguard Captain of Ocean Grove — Bobbie was a constant and steadfast presence. While he stood watch over the shoreline, she stood watch over the rhythms of family, church, and community life. Together they raised their three "beach bum" sons — Matthew, Mark, and Luke — in a home centered on faith, service, the surf, and the steady pulse of summer life at the shore. Bobbie embraced all that Ocean Grove offered. She played flute and piccolo in the Ocean Grove Summer Band, ran local races, played tennis, tended her garden, and opened her home
freely. Her porch on Cookman Avenue was a place of welcome and laughter; many evenings, her joyful laughter could be heard drifting down the street. She loved covered-dish dinners, South End beach gatherings, and cheering for her family in lifeguard tournaments, soccer,
baseball, swimming, rowing, and surfing events. Her generous spirit extended through her hands. She knitted and crocheted sweaters and
blankets for friends, family, and even strangers. Her large flannel baby blankets — lovingly known as "Bobbie blankets" — became treasured heirlooms. To receive one was to know you were deeply loved. Above all, Bobbie's greatest joy was her family. Known as "Baba" to her six beloved grandchildren — Meredith, Ethan, Elijah, Ella, Samuel, and Isaiah — she was rarely seen without a bag of books to read to them. Her lifelong love of reading became a gift she passed on intentionally and enthusiastically. She delighted in sharing their stories, their laughter, and their accomplishments with anyone who would listen, often laughing so hard she could hardly finish the tale. Bobbie was predeceased by her husband, David Mitchell, and her son, Luke Mitchell. She is survived by her sons, Matthew (Rachel) and Mark (Alison); her cherished grandchildren; her sister-in-law Jean Mitchell; nieces, nephews, and great-nephews; dear friends; and her loyal dog, Pumpkin. Bobbie's life was marked by faithfulness — to God, to family, and to the community she loved so deeply. Ocean Grove was the setting of her love story, her ministry, her friendships, and herdaily devotion, and she leaves behind a community strengthened by her steady and generous
spirit. Visitation will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 80 Embury Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ, on Saturday, February 14 at 10 am, with a celebration of life service to follow at noon. Burial will be Monday, February 16 at 11 am at Hamilton Cemetery in Neptune, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 80 Embury Ave, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 or the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Youth MinistryProgram, 54 Pitman Ave, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 in her memory