Obituary of Roberta Kroot

Roberta Lee Kroot, known to all as Bobbi, was born June 17, 1945 and died July 12, 2023.

Some say she was a bright light; to most people she was known as a forcefield. Growing up as the middle daughter in a blissfully happy home in Los Angeles she was known early on for her sense of style. Her first job was at Bullocks Wilshire where she was known for her beauty and good taste. After graduating from UC Berkeley, she attended USC where she received a Masters Degree in special education. She also attended the John Tracy Clinic for further study in deaf education. She taught deaf children for the LA.School District. In 1964, at age 19, Bobbi met her future husband, Art Kroot at Brandeis Camp in Simi Valley, CA. Art, whose family hailed from Columbus, Indiana, wooed and won Bobbi’s love and she moved with him to Columbus in 1969. The next 54 years became a tale of two cities with the couple splitting their time between Columbus and their home in Montecito. Bobbi, who missed her Jewish roots in Columbus, helped found the Center for Jewish Studies at Indiana University. For her contributions to her hometown she was named Woman of the Year in Columbus. Bobbi also became very active in Congregation B’nai B’rith in Santa Barbara. She was the longest-serving president of Sisterhood. Bobbi helped found and nurture the Center for Successful Ageing and both she and Art were active in the Jewish Federation. Her extraordinary gifts for organization, her tenacity and her natural ability to make and keep deep friendships made her special to all who knew her and a gift to every group to whom she gave her time and energy.

Bobbi was preceded in death by her much loved parents Ella and Bob Barnes. Bobbi leaves behind her devoted husband, Art Kroot as well as her son, Josh (Rachel) and daughter Robin. She was a wonderful grandmother to Michelle, Brandon and Aaron. Middle of the trio of “The Barnes Girls” she was adored by her older sister, Sandy Singer (Fred) and her younger sister, Phyllis Margolis (Paul) as well as nieces and nephews Stefanie and Jeff Singer, Jennifer Weeks and David Margolis. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Bordofsky, Jeremy Bordofsky and caregiver Maya Vargas.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Congregation B’nai Brith 1000 San Antonio Creek Road Santa Barbara, CA 93111.

No services are planned at this time.