Bobbie Jean (Hughes) Radtke

Bobbie Jean Radtke, 98, passed peacefully on May 9, 2023, in Houston.  Born on April 25, 1925, in Mount Vernon, Texas, to her parents, Olivia and George Wesley, Bobbie was raised in Commerce, Texas, and graduated from Commerce High School.

Bobbie moved to Abilene, where she began her career at Mead’s Wholesale Bakery as the President’s and Owner’s personal assistant.  Bobbie moved to Amarillo in 1951 when the company relocated its headquarters, continuing her career in advertising and marketing there for 25 years.

After leaving Mead’s and earning her real estate broker’s license, Bobbie was propelled into a second career at Boston & Jeffries as a successful realtor.  In 1981, she worked for the Amarillo National Bank, serving as an Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer.  After retiring from the bank in 1991, she continued working as a realtor, serving as bookkeeper and office manager until finally retiring in her 80s.

A long-time resident of Amarillo, she met and married her husband, Gerald G. Radtke “Gerry” in 1955. In 1958, they took a month-long trip through Europe; upon returning to Amarillo, they raised two children, Gil and Gina. They enjoyed the couple’s bridge, and entertaining and were well-known for their Christmas Eve parties.

As a Polk Street United Methodist Church member, Bobbie was active in Choir, serving on the Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, and a long-time member of the Susanna Wesley Sunday School Class.

After retirement, Bobbie enjoyed many travel adventures on various cruises and domestic trips with family and friends.  Bobbie loved crossword puzzles, card games, Farkle, dominoes and playing blackjack in Las Vegas.  Not only did she have a lifelong Bridge passion, Bobbie was also a well-rounded sports enthusiast, closely watching: golf, football, and Astro’s baseball.  Bobbie, always a classy lady, enjoyed her mani/pedi’s and her standing Friday appointment at the beauty salon.  She moved to Houston in 2013, quickly made new friends, and never missed her nightly Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune shows.

Bobbie was predeceased by her husband, Gerald G. Radtke; daughter, Gina Rutherford; parents; three sisters and a brother.  She will be dearly missed by her son Gil Radtke and his wife Ann; grandchildren: Tara (Justin) Lawless, Haley (Scott) Smith, Logan Radtke; great-grandchildren: Colton, Addison, Archer and Barrett; her son-in-law, Keith Rutherford and his wife Kimberly; step-grandchildren: Jason (Mindy) Joos, Kaitlin Rutherford, and her step-great-grandchildren: Braelyn and Rhett, and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held June 3, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Memory Gardens in Amarillo, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Polk Street United Methodist Church in Amarillo, Texas.