Obituary

Bobbie Ann Alger (née Leedham), age 95, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, in Laguna Hills, California. Born on April 17, 1929, in Phoenix, Arizona, Bobbie lived a life filled with faith, family, and unwavering kindness… and a whole bunch of sass!

From her earliest years, Bobbie’s spirited nature was evident. Raised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith, she attended a boarding school for high school where her mischievous and playful personality gave the school staff a run for their money. In the early 1950s, she became an active and beloved member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her deep faith in God and her Savior, Jesus Christ, guided every aspect of her life. She served faithfully in her church community throughout her life, often bearing testimony and welcoming all who came to her home—including countless missionaries that lived with her—with open arms and a warm heart.

In 1946, Bobbie married Robert Lang Alger and together, in a quick three years, they had three daughters—Alee’, Sherrilyn (Sherry), and Rhonda. Over the years her family grew to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family though; nearly everyone she met became part of her ever-growing circle of honorary children and grandchildren.

Bobbie’s professional journey began in the mid-1950s when she worked as a key punch operator at Autonetics during the early days of mainframe computing. She went on to build a fulfilling career in the aeronautic and computer industries, ultimately retiring from Hughes Aircraft in 1989. Known for her exceptional organizational skills and meticulous documentation, she earned several awards throughout her career. During that time, she also owned and operated The Turnabout Shop, a consignment dress boutique in Brea, California, during the late 1960s until the early 1970s.

Retirement didn’t slow Bobbie down… in her career or in her car (when following her, it was keep up or find your own way)! Shortly after leaving Hughes Aircraft, she joined her daughter Rhonda’s company, Pactronics, where she worked for nearly another two decades before retiring again in 2014.

Her family remembers her not only as a dedicated professional but also as a woman who brought joy into every room she entered. She was known for her teasing nature, her competitive game play – she was a master at Mastermind, and for making the best grilled cheese sandwiches – served with love to every visitor. She had a love of genealogy and family history and also enjoyed reading mystery novels.

Bobbie had a unique way of making everyone feel important. She was especially drawn to teenagers, always eager to hear about their lives and offer encouragement. Her cheerful demeanor, uplifting words, and playful teasing left lasting impressions on all who knew her.

She is lovingly remembered by her eldest daughter Alee’ Robbins (Alger), youngest daughter Rhonda Burnevik (Alger), son-in-law Brian Burnevik; brother Daniel Leedham; grandchildren Lora Andreatta (Phillippi) (with spouse Tonja Andreatta), Bradly Phillippi (with spouse Stephanie Phillippi), Shani Lang (Phillippi) (with spouse Christopher Lang); great-grandchildren Melissa Wilkes (Phillippi) (with spouse Nate Wilkes), Brandon Phillippi (with spouse Mariah Phillippi), Kyle Phillippi (with spouse Michele Phillippi), Toren McKnight, Ethan Lang, Paige Lang; and great-great-grandsons Hayden Wilkes and Hudson Phillippi.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Lang Alger; daughter Sherrilyn Phillippi (Alger); father Russell Henry Leedham; mother Florence Leedham (Smith); sister Vertie (Lucille) Leedham; brothers Russell Clinton Leedham and Ray Leedham.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 22851 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo, California 92656. A funeral service will follow from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the same location. Interment will take place at El Toro Memorial Park at 25751 Trabuco Rd., Lake Forest, California 92630 at 1:00 PM.

Though Bobbie insisted on celebrating “anniversaries” of her 39th birthday rather than growing older – calling them “present days” – her legacy is timeless. She leaves behind generations touched by her love, humor, strength of character, and unwavering faith.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.