Obituary of Roberta Cowger

Roberta Jean Cowger, better know as Bobby, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2024.

Bobby was born February 18,1938 in Lebanon, Oregon, to Marion and Virginia Reed. She grew up in Meridian, Idaho with her siblings; Richard, Rena, and Ronald.

Bobby lived in Meridian while raising her two boys; Mickey and Jerry Lynn. She met her husband Richard Cowger there. They were married in 1961 and Richard added 5 more children to their family: Steve, Jerry, Joe, Tim and Tanya. They were married for 53 years before Richard passed in 2015.

The family lived in Kuna working on the farm before moving to Cascade in 1963. Bobby helped support the family by waitressing at different restaurants. She also kept busy with her pottery group. Bobby’s love of cooking and serving others eventually led her to owning her own restaurant “The Mahogany Bar and Cafe” in Yellow Pine, Idaho. While living in Yellow Pine Bobby and Richard were instrumental in helping start the Harmonica Festival.

After many years in Yellow Pine Bobby and Richard retired and moved to Nampa, Idaho to be closer to their family. Bobby soon became known as the “bird lady” because of her willingness to help any injured animal. She would rescue baby birds and squirrels that had fallen out of their nest and hand feed them until they were ready to be released back into nature. Bobby had a true talent and passion for caring for these special creatures. Her kind spirit, hard working and loving nature helped to create many lasting memories.

Bobby is survived by her two sons; Mick and Lisa Cowger; Tim and Gay Cowger; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bobby is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Rena and Richard, her children; Steve, Jerry, Joe, and Tanya; and her beloved husband Richard.

Memorials may be made to Hands of Hope Northwest Inc. at 1201 S. Powerline Road Nampa, ID 83686. The family wishes to express their thanks to Idaho Home Health and Hospice for the outstanding and compassionate care she received from them.

Celebration of Life open house is set for April 13th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Txoko Ona in Homedale (333 S. Main Street Homedale, Idaho)