Bobetta O. Speer

Bobetta O. Speer, 93, died March 13, 2017 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. She was born on August 26, 1923 in Fairview, Oklahoma the daughter of Jesse and Katie (Boehs) Koehn.

Bobetta moved with her family from Fairview, Oklahoma to Weskan and then to the farm north of Cimarron where she spent her childhood. She graduated from Cimarron High School in 1941. After graduation, she went to California to work in a military plant during World War II. After the war ended, she returned home. On May 30, 1952, she married Kenneth Speer in Clayton, New Mexico. He preceded her in death on November 2, 1988. After their marriage, they moved back to Dodge City where they made their home and raised five children. Bobetta worked for 15 years at Fort Dodge in Lincoln and Halsey Halls in the kitchen. She loved to crochet, was an avid reader, and enjoyed working in flower gardens.

Bobetta is survived by two daughters, Pam Kirkby and husband Tom of Dodge City and Lauretta Zielke of Arvada, Colorado; three sons, Kenneth Speer II and wife Kayla of Dodge City, Tim Speer and wife Arla of Grandview, Missouri, and Thane Speer and wife Elizabeth of Stilwell; one brother, Max Koehn of Marina Del Rey, California; three sisters, Jeanette Monroe of Topeka, Peggy Speer of Cimarron, and Dixie Hertel of Cimarron; 18 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband Kenneth, she is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Harold, Jack, and Floyd Koehn; four sisters, Josie, Vonnie, and Shirley Koehn and Malee Van Norden; a granddaughter, Lindsey Dyan Ramey; and a great granddaughter, Sierra Zielke.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Saturday March 18, 2017 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Michael Burns presiding. Burial will follow at Silent Land Cemetery in Spearville. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Friday March 17, 2017 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.