Roberta Jean Lehman

Roberta Jean Lehman, affectionately known as Bobbie, was called home to the Lord on March 31, 2026, at the age of 81, following a years-long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Bobbie was born on September 8, 1944, to the late Robert and Sara Bellar in Wheeling, WV. Her early childhood was spent on her grandparent’s farm, while her father was deployed during WWII. This fostered in her a love for family and the outdoors from a young age, passions she carried with her throughout her life. “Country Roads” by John Denver typified the West Virginia girl in her! When her father returned home, the family moved to Kettering, Ohio, where Bobbie would lay down roots and raise a family of her own.

Bobbie graduated from Fairmont High School in 1962 and continued her education at the University of Cincinnati, earning an Associate Degree in business. While working at Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co. (DELCO), she met Jack Lehman, who was serving his co-op at the company during her tenure. Their lives were joined in marriage on October 16, 1965. The pair welcomed two children, and Bobbie revelled in motherhood.

Bobbie was a natural teacher and educator, who was called to teach and minister to children. She pursued this gift by returning to school for her Bachelor of Education, which she earned at Wright State University. She was a fixture in her community in early childhood education, teaching preschool through kindergarten at the Miami Valley School, Dayton Public Schools, Christ United Methodist Church, and Fairhaven Church in Centerville. Grounded in her faith, she brought the next generation into the loving arms of God. For many years, she taught Sunday school, bible study, and led fellowship groups. She was deeply involved in the Walk to Emmaus ministry and Young Life Dayton.

Bobbie celebrated the magnificence of creation through children, through nature, and through her cooking. She loved to make her family’s favorite meals and treats, which could be counted on for any occasion. Bobbie and Jack also delighted in taking their family on road trips across the United States, visiting our National Parks and natural spaces and having many camping adventures along the way. The beauty of nature called to her from the time of her girlhood through her later years, when she could often be found enjoying the walking paths of local parks.

Bobbie leaves behind a legacy of love, and will be remembered as a loving wife and mother, doting grandmother, and devoted follower of Christ.

Along with her parents, Bobbie is preceded in death by her precious sister, Karen “Susan” Alexander. She is survived by her beloved husband of over 60 years, John “Jack” Lehman; children, Amy (Alan) Wolf and Greg (Susan) Lehman; cherished grandchildren, Sara (Brendan) Labensky, Sean Wolf, Ellie Lehman, and Zach Lehman; and dear sister, Carol (John) Penn.

Bobbie’s family invites friends to gather on Wednesday, April 8, from 2:00-3:30pm, at Routsong Funeral Home in Kettering (2100 E. Stroop Rd.) to share memories and offer condolences. A funeral service will be held at 3:30pm at the same location, with reception to follow. Bobbie’s final resting place will be David’s Cemetery in Kettering.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Young Life Dayton.