Roberta K. “Bobbi” Strom passed away on April 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a life that was anything but ordinary and a presence that will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was born on August 15, 1965, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Robert L. and Edna M. (Bowman) Strom. As the firstborn and oldest of six children, Bobbi developed a deep sense of care for others early in life, a trait that became a defining part of who she was. She graduated from Williamsfield High School in 1983 and earned her associate degree in cosmetology from Carl Sandburg College in 1984. She married her high school sweetheart, Bradley W. Hall, on April 9, 1988, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Brimfield, Illinois.
Bobbi was the proud mom of Brandon, Bryan, Blake, and Bailey, and an even prouder grandma to Braxton, Brinlee, Baylor, Renley, Lakin, Beau, and Brock. Those grandkids were her whole world.
Known far and wide as the “Crazy Crochet Lady,” Bobbi could make just about anything with a crochet hook and yarn including baby props, holiday gifts, and one-of-a-kind creations, many of which have become sentimental keepsakes. Her yarn collection was almost as big as her heart, and if you saw it, you know that is saying something. Her hands told the story too, marked by years of crochet hooks and hard work, something she wore like a badge of honor.
A country girl through and through, with a deep love for animals from dogs to cows, she found her greatest comfort in the outdoors and the farm life she grew up in. Her time in 4-H and FFA reflected that passion which she proudly passed on to her children.
She loved the outdoors, especially camping, and found joy in the simple things such as sitting outside, a good cup of coffee heavy on the cream, sweet tea, and a smoke. She never missed an episode of Yellowstone and loved it enough to name her four-legged companion, Rip, after one of its most memorable characters.
Bobbi was also a great cook and was always ready to whip something up whether it was a side dish for a gathering or her well known, always requested deviled eggs.
Over the years, she wore many hats including hairdresser, babysitter, caregiver and homemaker, but the one that made her the most proud was being a stay-at-home mom. She cared for others with the same grit and heart she brought to everything she did. Later, she became co-owner and baker at Folsom’s Bakery where her work once again centered around what she loved most, taking care of people, just in a different way.
Bobbi had a heart bigger than life and truly one of gold. She was always there for anyone who needed her, whether it was offering advice, sharing a favorite recipe, listening without judgment, or being a steady shoulder to lean on. She showed up for people in ways that mattered.
Bobbi was not complicated. What you saw was what you got. She loved hard, spoke her mind, and made sure the people in her life knew exactly how much they meant to her.
She will be remembered for her strength, her generosity, her unmistakable personality, and the countless ways she made life a little more personal, a little more meaningful, and a lot more memorable.
She leaves behind her children and grandchildren: Brandon (Tillie) Hall, Braxton, Brinlee, and Baylor, Victoria, Illinois; Bryan (Brandy) Hall, Renley, Sterling, Illinois; Blake (Kinsey) Hall, Lakin, Beau, and Brock, Monmouth, Illinois; and Bailey Folsom, Lincoln, Illinois. Honorary son Benjamin (Rebekah) Funderberg, Sterling, Illinois.
She is also survived by her siblings: Rebecca (Troy) Hale, Richard (Tina) Strom, Rita Self, Ryan (Kim) Strom, and Regina Strom, along with many nieces and nephews, with more on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband Bradley W. Hall, and a brother-in-law, Steven Self. Her passing comes just weeks after the loss of her mother, a reunion that came much sooner than anyone could have imagined.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home and Crematory in Knoxville, with Pastor Dean Lane officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Williamsfield Cemetery, Williamsfield, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to her family. Online condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
