Roberta G. “Bobbi” Pritchett

Roberta G. “Bobbi” Pritchett, of Newport, died in the early hours of July 31 at the age of 78. Born in Marietta on July 27, 1947, to Virgil “Barney” and Mary Jo Heddleson, Bobbi grew up in Caldwell, Ohio, with six other siblings. A 1965 graduate of Caldwell High School, she played trumpet in the marching band. She married John C. Pritchett of Newport on June 15, 1968, while in Huntsville, Alabama. They returned to Newport, where she made her home and became part of the fabric of the community for almost 60 years. Over the years, Bobbi worked at Peoples Savings Bank, Byers’ Market, and The Jug. When the time came, she stopped working to be a caretaker of her mother-in-law. Bobbi’s commitment to the people of Newport began when she was asked to volunteer for the Newport Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Fireman’s Festival in 1969. She continued to serve the fire department in many ways: President of the Women’s Auxiliary, Emergency Medical Technician, and Fire Department Treasurer. She was most proud of being a Lifetime Member of the Department.

Beyond the fire department, Bobbi found many ways to serve her neighbors: Vacation Bible School teacher at Beech Grove United Methodist Church, an officer of the Newport PTO, treasurer of the Frontier Band Boosters, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, Matamoras Chapter #261. Bobbi had a hand in many Newport memories: creating a computer room volunteer program at Newport Elementary School, bringing Santa to Newport on the back of a firetruck, and coordinating Christmas in the Village with dear friends. Her famous hot dog sauce graced basketball and bingo concession stands for years. Bobbi loved helping people in her community feel connected to something larger than themselves. This was her life’s purpose.

Bobbi was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, and her husband of 49 years, along with brothers Jerry Heddleson of Huntsville, Alabama, and Ray Heddleson of Spring Hill, Florida. She is survived by her son, Chett Pritchett of Parkersburg, and his partner, Robin White, along with her sister, Kay Clark of Senecaville, and brothers William Heddleson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jim Heddleson of Caldwell, and Don Heddleson of Columbus. She leaves behind many in-laws, nieces and nephews, beloved friends, and chosen family. The family shares deep gratitude for staff of Harmar Place and Cawley Hospice for their deep compassion and care in Bobbi’s final days. Visitation will be held at Ingram Funeral Home in Saint Marys, West Virginia on Tuesday, August 5 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8pm and on Wednesday, August 6 from 1 to 2pm. Services will be Wednesday at 2pm at the funeral home with interment following in Newport Cemetery.

In honor of Bobbi’s life, the family requests memorial donations to the Newport Community Food Pantry, PO Box 564, Newport, OH 45768, or the Newport Community Committee c/o Jonie Haught, 886 Sheets Run Road, Marietta, OH 45750.

An online guest register is available at www.ingramfh.com.