Roberta "Bobbie" B. (Byrne) Patterson

Roberta (Bobbie) Mae Patterson, 91 passed away March 2, 2024 in Boise, Idaho surrounded by her friends and family. The second of four children, Bobbie was born January 29, 1933 in Echo, Utah to Elmer and Vivian Byrne. She began school in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Then at the age of six they moved to North Platte, Nebraska. Elmer’s work for the railroad then took the family to Twin Falls, Idaho where she finished her senior year of high school.

A born leader, Bobbie was dedicated to building the reputation and tourism of Boise, Idaho. She worked for the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau for nearly 35 years, serving as the Executive Director for much of that time. She was the first female president of the International Association of Conventions and Visitors Bureaus and was once named Boise’s Distinguished Person of the Year.

Her energy and drive seemed endless. In retirement she operated Arrowhead RV Park in Cascade, ID until she was 89. She was actively writing grants on behalf of the RV parks in Cascade and serving on chamber of commerce boards when she passed. That energy was not limited to her career. Routinely, Grandma “Manga” would take her daughter’s four young sons to the RV park for weekends at a time, somehow balancing four boys and often their friends while working as well. Even as a great-grandmother she remained engaged and active. Her career provided opportunities to travel extensively throughout the world. She used that energy to pass her love of Ireland and all things Irish to anyone who would accept the invitation.

Her ability to invite and incorporate others into her life was visible in many of her relationships. While her world was big and her influence broad, she maintained dear lifelong friendships. With her childhood friend, Kathryn, from North Platte, she enjoyed their friendship together until Kathryn’s death, visiting each other and their families even as they moved apart. Bobbie shared her life with her family and friends in such a way that strangers became integrated as ‘family’. She cultivated such a meaningful relationship with her hairstylist, Karen Riggs and her family, that they were only known as Aunt Karen and Uncle John to her grandsons.

While she did spend a year at the University of Idaho, it was her love of Boise State Football that was second-to-none. For twenty years she shared 30 yard-line seats with her dear friends Jon Riggs and John Yraguen. She developed a keen sense of knowledge and understanding of whatever she set her sights on. Football was no exception.

Her life is a testament to the dedication of investing in the betterment of a community and in the cultivation of meaningful relationships.  

Bobbie was first married to Wellington (Skip) Pierce and together they had Steven Conrad and Vicki Lynn. She later married James Doss. Her third marriage was to Gerald Patterson until his passing in 2015.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Vivian; her sister, Yvonne and brother, David (Ronnie); her sons, Steven Pierce and baby Scott. She is survived by her brother, Larry; her daughter, Vicki Jones; four grandsons and seven great-grandchildren.

A viewing and open microphone service will be held at 11AM Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at the Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday at the Dry Creek Cemetery. Boise. An online guest book and full obituary is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

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