(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Barbara Jo Dutton, fondly known as Bobby, passed away on February 15, 2025, just 10 days from her 100th birthday, at Willowbrook Assisted Living in Kenosha with loving family and friends surrounding her.
She was born in Russiaville, Indiana on February 25, 1925, to the late Glen and Ethel (Hamilton) Newby. She attended Russiaville grade school and then her family moved to Kokomo, Indiana where she graduated from Kokomo High School.
She married Orren Dutton on June 27, 1953, and enjoyed over 65 years together until his death in 2018. They first lived in Columbus, Ohio, Kokomo, Indiana, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Bobby worked at Indiana University at the Kokomo campus at 2 sites, one in which was at Seiberling Mansion in Kokomo as the secretary for the Dean. Bobby retired in 1973. She later worked at Shady Lawn East in the office.
She volunteered over the years at Imperial Point Hospital in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, Kenosha Memorial Hospital, and Kemper Center/Anderson Arts Center. Bobby was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 75 years. She was also a member of the Howard County Indiana Historical Society for over 50 years and a member of Tri Kappa, a women’s service sorority based in Indiana. Bobby and her husband were members of St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Kenosha.
She and her husband, Orren were avid readers with a library of over a 1,000 books. She enjoyed watching Nascar racing – the Indy 500, playing bridge, walks outside, listening to music of all genre; especially the Bee Gees, and sharing stories from her past. Her love for family & friends was always evident as she would always ask how everyone was doing & what they were up to. She enjoyed her phone chats on Tuesdays and Saturdays with her niece Jane in Florida. She adored her dogs Bo, Schotzie, and Sassy.
Bobby is survived by her nieces; Jane Walker Heekin of The Villages, Florida, Ellen Dutton Sturycz of Kenosha, Lisa (Tim) Chudada of Union Grove, great nephews Ross Sturycz and Logan Chudada, and great niece, Sarah (Adam) Schweitzer. She is also survived by great-great-nephews, Owen and Jack Schweitzer who brought her immense joy with their pictures and dance moves. In addition, she is survived by very close and long-time friends; Connie Wheeler and Susie and Howard Geissman, who have been an integral part in her life and were active in her care.
A special thanks to Guida Brown and David McGrath for their frequent visits and dressing up in costumes for the holidays. It always brought a smile to Bobby’s face. Bobby was preceded in death by her husband, Orren Dutton; sister and brother-in-law Betty and Ralph Walker, niece Judy (Jack) Young; and brother-in-law Orvis Dutton, sister-in-law Ulen (Earl) Howe, and nephew, Wayne Dutton.
Bobby, known for her kindness, deep care for others, and absolute beautiful soul, had an unparalleled sweetness that touched everyone she met. Bobby loved her family and friends deeply and loved sharing time with them. She spent time with her nieces having afternoon tea and dark chocolate, discussing family history and memories with much laughter. She had a great sense of humor and loved to connect with so many people and hear about their lives. She enjoyed discussing politics & current events. Bobby was a very independent spirit with an extremely sharp mind. She touched so many lives throughout her many years. Bobby was a class act and truly a gem to all who knew her and will be dearly missed
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Willowbrook and Hospice Alliance who have gone above and beyond with her care. Bobby loved you all and appreciated all that you did.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society of Kenosha, Hospice Alliance, or to the donor’s choice.
A Celebration of Life will be on her 100th birthday! Visitation will be at Sunset Ridge Cemetery Chapel on February 25, 2025, from 11AM -12 noon with Christian service to follow with Charles Hansen, Hospice Alliance Chaplain. Burial to be private.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th, Street Kenosha
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Lynn Heller says:
To Bobby’s Family,
Bobby was such a special person. I always enjoyed our visits because she was so upbeat & kind, always asking about others. Unfortunately I was not able to visit much of late, but I was kept informed by others on the team.
Bobby loved O so and now she will be able to be with him again.
Take care of each other.
Lynn Heller
St. Matthew’s Church
Cindy Hasz says:
I met Bobby as a young teenager through my sister, Connie. I was always so impressed with Bobby’s kind heart, genuinely gracious, sweet demeanor, and her amazing key lime pies! I know Bobby was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, and she left such a positive impact on so many lives. She will be greatly missed! R.I.P. sweet Bobby! Heaven has gained a beautiful angel!
Kenneth and Dlana Palmen says:
We met Bobby many years ago at St. Matthews. Orren and Bobby always sat in the last phew at the back of the church. We sat across the aisle, also in the back road of the phews. They were both such sweet kind people Bobby you will be very much missed.