Barbara Agnew Whalen, lovingly known as Bobbie, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, just ten days shy of her 90th birthday.
Barbara Jean Agnew was born in Oakland, California to Theodore Robert Agnew and Alice Ethel Magnuson. An only child, she grew up in Oakland and attended Oakland High School. Sadly, she lost both of her parents when she was in her teens. Raised by her two aunts, Bobbie later completed one year at the University of California, Berkeley, where she met Raymond Bartholomew, who was attending Boalt Law School. They married and welcomed a son, Raymond Keith Bartholomew Jr. Her husband Ray Sr. sadly passed away shortly after little Ray was born.
Bobbie later met Dr. John Burton Whalen on a blind date and they were married in September of 1961. Shortly afterwards, Rebecca was born. Following a few years in Barstow, California, while John was in the Navy, the family returned to Piedmont, where Melissa was born. Sixteen years later they were blessed with a fourth child, Amy. Following 57 years of marriage, John Whalen passed away in March 2018.
Bobbie devoted her life to being a mother and homemaker. She was active in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), where she was a leader for many years. She had an amazing Bible study with friends called “Women of the Word”(WOW). She was also active in Junior League, Garden Club, National Charity League (NCL) and Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO). Her faith was central to her life, and she deeply loved Jesus, her family, and her friends.
Bobbie loved all of her four children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.
Bobbie was shy, had a strong Christian faith, and will be remembered for her devotion to God, her family and friends, and the love she shared so freely with everyone who knew her.
An open house celebrating Bobbie’s life will be held on Sunday, February 1 at a home in Piedmont, California. Please email amywgriffith@gmail.com for details.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Philanthropic Educational Organization: P.E.O. Executive Office, Treasurer’s Dept., 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. Please make checks payable to P.E.O. Foundation. Donations can be made online HERE.