Summary

Roberta “Bobbi” Crooke,77, passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 12th, 2025. She passed peacefully, in her own bed, with her son Joseph and her faithful cat, Lilly, nearby; following a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. She was born to Robert E. Crooke and Catherine E. Crooke, on February 28th, 1948.

Bobbi was a lifelong resident of the near-east side of Indianapolis, excluding brief intervals in Minnesota, and North Carolina. Like her brothers, David and Stanley, she walked to Arsenal Technical High School, where she graduated in 1966. She would go on to study at IUPUI, travel Europe, and work in various capacities from waitressing to serving on the staff of the Indiana State Attorney General; but she found her calling in retail.

Bobbi was best known for her long-time work at Village Pantry, and later Ricker’s, convenience stores, around Indianapolis. First as a clerk, then quickly being promoted to assistant manager, and then manager. Bobbi worked odd and often long hours to ensure her store and staff were cared for. The relationships she developed with her team members and her clientele were a constant source of joy.

Towards the end, Bobbi mused if she had “done enough” with her life. Her family then reminded her that she influenced hundreds of lives daily, just by sharing her kindness, her humor, and her love with those she interacted with at the various stores she worked.

Bobbi is survived by her son, Joseph (Leslie) Crooke. She is also survived by her brother, David Crooke, and his loving family.

The family wishes to thank Enlight Hospice, for their tender and tireless care of Bobbi, in her final months. The friendships made with that team, albeit brief, brought her great comfort. We also thank her neighbors, Robert and Valerie Wells, her longtime friends and protectors over the years. We truly could not ask for better neighbors. Bobbi will be dearly missed by her family and friends; her legacy of love and kindness will be forever cherished. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simple Cremation Indianapolis, located at, 6904 S. East St. Suite E, Indianapolis, In. 46227