Aberdeen American News; Aberdeen SD; 2009-10-1


Roberta Jean "Bobbi" Swenson-Bella          
Rapid City: Roberta Jean "Bobbi" Swenson-Bella died at Rapid City Regional
Hospital on Sept. 29, 2009.

Bobbi was born on June 3, 1946, in Rapid City, and attended her hometown
schools. While in high school, Bobbi met and married Burt E. Lake
III. They shared two daughters, Misty Dawn and Lori Kae. After returning
from Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Bobbi finished her cosmetology license. At
this time she met and married Jimmy J. Swenson and eventually moved to
Roslyn, S.D., where they owned Jimmy J's Lounge.

Bobbi and Jimmy spent ten happy years together until his unexpected death
in 1981. After many months of deep soul-searching, Bobbi returned to
Rapid City and obtained her travel agent certification from the National
American University.

Bobbi had a true friend in life, Donald R. Bella. Friendship bloomed
into love. Bobbi and husband, Don, enjoyed 29 years as devoted soul
mates. They shared the same goal in life - each other.

Among her many accomplishments, she took great pride in their antique
shop, Wolves Bargain Den. After selling the business, she returned to the
travel business, where she spent many happy years working with the public
helping make their dreams and wishes a reality. Bobbi's enthusiasm in the
travel world was Disney Tours. Having found a calling to unite others in
marriage, she became a wedding officiant and started her own business,
Bella Wedding Service, where she joined couples in wedded bliss. Bobbi
loved sharing her happiness, wit and humor with others.

Bobbi was an active member in fellowship at Bethlehem Lutheran
Church. Along with her loving husband, Don, she also served in the Metro
Area Lions Club. Bobbi had many passions in life, which all revolved
around her family and friends.

She will be sorely missed by all including her husband, Donald R. Bella;
father, Francis Buttere; daughters, Karen A. (Joe) Thode, Omaha,
Neb., Katherine A. (Craig Patterson) Bella, Evanston, Wyo., Kim A. (Steve
Martin) Bella, Westport, Mass., and Kristine A. (Pete Fennell) Bella,
Portland, Ore.; two stepsons, Kenneth A. (Lisa) Bella and Keith A. (Her
online guestbook is available a www.osheim schmidt.com.