Elna “Bobbie” Heglin was born May 17, 1924, in Largo, Fla. She passed away July 18, 2009, in Oak Harbor. She was 84.

Her father, Charles, was a successful citrus farmer with 40 acres cultivated with oranges and grapefruit. Bobbie came to love these and was known as “the little fruit girl.” She was an only child from Hallie Gay Bynum and Charles Breckinridge McMullen, but was the half-sister of seven half-siblings, all living in the area.

Bobbie graduated from Largo High School and Tuscaloosa Business College, but found her calling was in dentistry. She graduated from Eastman School of Dental Hygiene and was happy as a dental hygienist with aspirations of becoming a dentist. She loved people, always had lots of friends, and found dancing a great way to meet more. She met Howard Heglin at a tango class in Tampa. She was impressed with his pursuit of a better life and married him within three months of their meeting. The couple moved to Gainesville where she helped support Howard while he got his PhD. Their first son, Jim, was born. Then they moved to Panama City and their second son, John, came along. The family moved to Sudbury, Mass., Bobbie’s dreams of becoming a dentist were set aside. The family settled in California and Suzan was born.

Bobbie spent lots of time gardening, going on car trips and singing in a chorus. She became an excellent cook and entertained family, friends and Howard’s co-workers. When the kids were older, Bobbie and Howard traveled to Hawaii and the Philippines, Korea, and Okinawa while Howard taught college classes. After that they moved to Washington and were active in the Whidbey Playhouse, Whidbey Chorale, local bridge groups, and she volunteered for hospice. They traveled to Yugoslavia, China, Samoa and other parts far and abroad. Bobbie has four grandchildren in her life.

Honoring her wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements by Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ferndale.