Obituary of Barbara Ann Alfrey

Barbara Ann Alfrey, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Boise, ID on September 8, 2023, following a brief illness.

Barbara “Bobbie”, as she was known to her family and friends, was born in Klamath Falls, OR on April 9, 1935, to Robert “Tran” and Zelda (Whitaker) Alfrey.  She was the second of their three daughters.  Bobbie and her family lived in many towns in Oregon before settling in Portland, OR.

She graduated from Immaculata Academy in 1953.  After graduation, Bobbie worked for the Catholic Charities of Oregon and the moved on to an administration position with Pillsbury for a short time.  In 1962 she began working at Boise Cascade Corporate office in Portland, OR and transferred with the company to Boise, ID in 1986.  Bobbie completed her 35 years with Boise Cascade, retiring in 1997 as Manager of International Transportation.  She was one of the first women to hold such a prestigious title at the company.

While Bobbie enjoyed her career very much, her true joy was her family.  Although Bobbie never married, her dream of being a mother was realized when she adopted her daughter, Jennifer, in August 1972.  From that day forward, she considered Jeni the best blessing she ever received. 

Bobbie was considered the family genealogist.  She enjoyed researching her ancestry and was able to trace her family heritage to the Mayflower. 

Bobbie loved and was loved by many family and friends.  She was a generous and caring person who always put others first.  She will be missed every day by those of us left behind.  But we also have joy as we know she had a very happy and fulfilled life on this earth and she is now with her Lord and Savior living in eternal joy.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, Tran, and Zelda Alfrey; her eldest sister, Ardis Alfrey; and a niece, Mary Louise Weddle.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Hetzel; and two grandchildren, the other greatest blessings of her life: Nicholas and Anne Hetzel.  She is also survived by her youngest sister and best friend, Mary (Joe) Weddle; nieces and nephews: Katy (Scott) Nelson, Colleen (Marty) Weddle-Radenbach, Michael (Lorena) Weddle, Linda (Rick) Doehle, Sharon (Ron) Vergine, Steven (Melanie) Weddle and Philip Weddle.  She is also survived by multiple grand nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support provided during Bobbie’s short illness, with extra special thanks to Doctors Hospice of Idaho.