Bobbie Jo Gillespie, daughter of R. F. “Bob” Spurlock and Vergie Walker Spurlock, was born on April 20, 1944, in Ava, and passed away on April 10, 2005, in Springfield, Mo., at the age of 60 years.
Bobbie Jo was a lifelong resident of Ava. She worked at the Ava Rawlings Sporting Goods for 22 years. On March 25, 1966, Bobbie Jo and Fred Gillespie were united in marriage in Ava, and to this union one son was born. She enjoyed camping and canoeing and loved her pets and being with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Robert Spurlock; two sisters, Norma Lou Rymer and Elsie Coy; and two half brothers, Burney and John Turner.
She is survived by her husband, Fred Gillespie, of the home in Ava; one son and spouse, Justin and Patricia Gillespie, Ava; two granddaughters, Amy Lynn and Sarah Jo Gillespie, Ava; three sisters, Geraldine DeGase, Ava, Elizabeth Guthery and husband, Delmar, Ava, and Fay Ford, Chatsworth, Calif.; two half brothers, Howard Spurlock, Springfield, and Norman Spurlock, Iowa; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Memorial services are Friday, April 15, 6 p.m., in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, with the Pastor Wayne Pierson officiating. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
