Robbie Abaroa passed away peacefully in Gilbert AZ on July 11, 2021 just a few days after her 94th birthday on July 7. She was born Mildred Roberta Rowley to Clarence and Genevieve Rowley in 1927 in Kansas City, Kansas. Robbie led a very happy, active life painting Christmas ornaments, working in a tuna factory, performing as a sharpshooter for the San Diego Homeland Defense during WWII, laboring as a budget analyst for the Navy and the Marines, toiling as a small business owner, operating as a real estate agent and broker, and traveling the world. While at the same time, Robbie mothered seven children, 37 grandchildren, 73 great grandchildren (3 more coming soon), and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Robbie grew up in Kansas with her two brothers, Jimmy and George. She was the only girl in her neighborhood teaching her to be a rough and tough companion. In 1944, Robbie moved with her family to San Diego CA where she met her best friend, Vickie Abaroa Brionez. At the end of WWII, Vickie introduced Robbie to her brother, Ramon, who had been serving in the United States Army. They fell in love and married on July 31, 1946. After getting a business degree, Robbie began working for the US Government as a budget analyst for the Department of the Navy. At the same time, Ramon worked as a Naval Air Force mechanic. Robbie and Ramon chose to live in Lemon Grove CA where over the years they became parents of seven children: Eva Peterson (Richard); Susan Robinson (Greg); Steven Abaroa (DeeAnn); Karyn Bolton (Jim); Fred Abaroa (Polly); Michele Siufanua (Sam); Josie Paredes (Andrew). She also fostered five children from Costa Rica.
While in Lemon Grove, still working for the Navy, she and Ramon became owners/managers of the Abaroa Egg Ranch. Many mornings she could be found delivering eggs to the elementary schools and restaurants in Lemon Grove. A few years before retiring from government work, she was transferred to the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot as the head budget analyst. She also attended real estate school so that upon her retirement and the selling of their egg ranch, she started Abaroa Realty which she did for many years thereafter. She was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, fulfilling many, many callings and assignments in all organizations, as the wife of the presiding leader of the San Diego Spanish Branch and served in the San Diego Temple. Her testimony was always strong and steadfast.In 1999, her beloved “Babe” (Ramon) passed away after years of health challenges. She lovingly and selflessly cared for him along with his brother, Fred, who also suffered similar health challenges. She loved to travel, especially cruising, and visited many many states and countries. She and her dear friend, Donna Nance, could sport purple hats like no other while on their journeys. Even with her own health challenges, she smiled, served and shared her heart with others.
She is survived by her children and her brother, George Rowley of San Diego CA.A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 14439 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297. She will be interred in Greenwood Mortuary of San Diego. Arrangements in Arizona are conducted by Bunker Family Funeral and Cremations. The Services can be viewed using this link: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2K_lfLgCYHSDr0OP166NA
Our hearts & prayers are with all of the Abaroa families. Your mother & grandmother was an example of determination & dedication, and showed kindnesses & generosity through the many years we have known her. We know her reunion in heaven with her sweetheart and family has been glorious!
My heartfelt condolences and sympathy to my cousins and their families. My Aunt Robbie was very special to me. I loved her sense of humor, similar to my dad’s (George Rowley). My love and prayers are with you all. My hope is to see my dear Aunt Robbie again in the promised resurrection (John 5:28, 29). My husband, Robert, also sends his love and sympathy to you all. Your large, caring, and loving family was a blessing to my aunt. May your shared memories and family love console you during this difficult time.
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathies are with the Abaroa family as you mourn the loss of an amazing mother and grandmother. What a legacy and what a beautiful family she leaves behind. Now she has joined with Ramon and other family members on the other side that have gone before and what a joyful reunion that must be.
Love,
The John & Peggy Kennedy family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. What an amazing example she is, and a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. So thankful to know that we can see our family members again one day.
Love, Amber Kennedy Peterson and family (DeeDee’s neice)
My heart felt condolence go out to the Abaroa family.
I met Robbie from my connection with Donna Nance. I mainly remember her wisdom, readiness for adventure and loyalty. Because of her leadership as a tour guide, and lucky to have her as a cabin mate, I enjoyed several world wide cruises. Days gone by but never forgotten. I miss her too.
Fondly….Ilene Doyle
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of this very special woman. My memories of her include her love of and devotion to family and friends, her many years of service in the Church, and the joy she found in traveling and cruising around the world. What a wonderful reunion she is enjoying as she is reunited with family and friends. She will be greatly missed, but we are blessed in our knowledge that families are forever.
My thoughts and Prayers are with all of the Abaroa Family . So sorry for your loss. Robbie was a very special friend and I was very blessed to have known her. When my brother Richard married Eva she became family to me I will cherish all the many memories I have forever . God Bless you all.
We love Steve and DeeDee Abaroa (aunt and uncle to Corey)…and by extension all of the Abaroa’s. I have a childhood memory tossing the baseball once with Ramon in the Lewis’ backyard in Provo, and I remember meeting Robbie a few times. What a remarkable woman and family. May the hope in Christ and His victory over death bring comfort and hope to all who love her and are missing her now.