Bobby Nell Hardwick

Bobby Nell Hardwick

February 19, 1933 - April 26, 2021

Funeral services for Bobby Nell (Pittman) Hardwick will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 at Bell Avenue Church of Christ, Amarillo, Texas with interment at West Park Cemetery in Hereford, Texas.  Glen Walton and Stephen LupPlace will be officiating.  Visitation and viewing for family and friends will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 29th at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia, Amarillo, Texas.

Bobby was born in Anton, Texas to Nellie and Floyd Pittman on February 19, 1933.  She had three older sisters, Fern, Cora Mae, and Juanita; later she would gain a baby brother, Wayne.  Bobby passed from this life and went to her forever home on April 26, 2021, with her beloved husband and family by her side, surrounded by love.

Bobby’s daddy passed away early in her life and the family moved to Hereford, Texas.  Bobby grew up in Hereford, where she attended and graduated from high school. In elementary school she was a Camp Fire Girl. She loved high school and was an involved band member.  She played the piccolo, was a twirler, and even became the drum majorette.  At age 12, Bobby started working as the “popcorn girl” at the Star Theatre.  She continued working at the Star throughout high school and moved up to working at the ticket booth and the concession counter. She eventually became secretary to the theatre owner, Francis Hardwick, her future father-in-law.

It was in high school and through her friendship with Joan Hardwick that Bobby met the love of her life, Theodore (Ted) Saunders Hardwick, as he was home on leave from Wentworth Military Academy. She was quite smitten with Ted’s good looks when Joan introduced them, but unimpressed when he jumped the parking meter on main street!  Bobby graduated from high school in May 1950, and she and Ted were married on October 15th.  The newlyweds lived in Hereford, both working at the theatres for Ted’s father, until a couple years later when Ted joined the Air Force and they moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where Ted was stationed. In Roswell, Bobby had their first daughter, Deveny.

After Ted served in the military, he and Bobby moved back to the Hereford area where they had their second daughter, Saundie, and four years later, last but not least, Lisa. They enjoyed many close friendships and their monthly Bridge Supper Club.  Bobby enjoyed playing games her entire life and shared her enthusiasm with her children and grandchildren.  She was known as being competitive and she loved to win!  Bobby loved being a mother, and her priority was always to love her husband, her family, and to create a home.

In 1962, Ted and Bobby moved to eastern Colorado where they purchased a farm 25 miles from town.  They lived in Colorado, raising their family and working the farm until 1983.  In Colorado, Bobby began her search for the Lord.  Ted and Bobby became very active in the church of Christ and Bobby found her talent to teach the Word to others.  She taught children’s Sunday school class and prepared many special visual aids for the students. In addition, she helped plan Vacation Bible Schools and worked to make them fun and special, often writing little plays and skits.  Ladies Bible Class was always close to Bobby’s heart.  She loved meeting with the other ladies, opening the Word, and studying together. She spent days preparing her lessons.  She was a master teacher.

Ted and Bobby often had people into their home for Bible Studies.  One of her daughters’ favorite memories is getting up in the morning and seeing their mom sitting in her rocking chair reading the Bible or praying, starting her day in quiet time with the Lord.

Bobby was a gracious and welcoming hostess.  Guests were present regularly at Sunday dinners.  Bobby was an excellent cook!  Her family loved walking into their home and being greeted by the aroma of a roast cooking or fresh bread baking. She loved having special holiday parties for friends and neighbors.  Bobby loved people, she loved encouraging and serving others, and one way she did that was by opening her home.  Over the years, Bobby hosted several visiting preachers, youth from other churches on mission trips, her daughter’s college friends and family passing through, and out-of-town guests.  She served lunch daily to farm hands, cattle buyers, or anyone who was at the farm at lunch time.  There was always room at her table and food for one more!

Bobby loved her family!  She taught her daughters so many things…cooking, sewing, housekeeping…but even more she taught them to love Jesus, serve and love others, and to be positive.  Her daughters all remember her smile and words of encouragement during the trials of growing up.  Her sons-in-law remember how she loved them as her own and always made them feel special by cooking or baking their favorite foods.

In 1983, Ted and Bobby moved to Alamogordo, New Mexico where Ted sold real estate and Bobby worked at the bank.  Bobby had a big adjustment going back into the work force after so many years of being on the farm, but as in all things, she tackled it with determination and a “can do” attitude.  Of course, she excelled; she was Banker of the Year twice during her time at the bank!  After working at the bank, Bobby got her real estate license and worked with Ted, until they retired and began pursuing their dream of traveling and spending time with family.

In 1993, Ted and Bobby bought a 5th wheel trailer and hit the road!  These years brought many happy memories as they traveled all over the United States and met many people that became dear friends.  They often traveled as part of the “We Care Ministry”, continuing their love of teaching the Word.

In 2009, Ted and Bobby moved to Amarillo, Texas to be close to family.  Once again, they were active in the church and Bobby continued her love of teaching and participating in Ladies Bible Class. Bobby continued cooking meals for her family, practicing hospitality, and supporting her grandchildren as they participated in school activities.  She was a loving wife, mother, meme, and friend until the very end of her life.

Bobby is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Ted, and her three daughters all of Amarillo, Deveny Wells, Saundie Wade and her husband, Gordon, and Lisa White and her husband, Tim.  Bobby has eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Memorial gifts can be sent in Bobby’s honor to New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales, New Mexico 88130