Bobbie Jo Swanson

With heavy hearts, we remember the life of Bobbie Jo Vandenberg, maiden name Swanson, who passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 54 in Leesville, Louisiana. Bobbie Jo was a mother first and always a role she embraced as one of the hardest yet most rewarding callings of her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Bobbie Jo was the proud mother of nine children, eight of whom survive her: Jessica Bush, William Henry Vandenberg Jr., William Vandenberg, Tyler Vandenberg, Michael Vandenberg, Eric Vandenberg, Brittany Vandenberg, Emily Vandenberg, and Kaitlyn Vandenberg.

She was also a cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren: Ryleigh and Jace Link; Caleb, Trenton, Kinley, Jarrett, and Jack Bush; and Dutch, Sophie, and Erika Vandenberg; each one a source of immense pride and joy.

Bobbie Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Peggy Swanson and Harold Swanson and by her beloved son, William Henry Vandenberg Jr.

Throughout her life, Bobbie Jo wore many hats, but her favorite was being “Mom.” Over the years, she ran a childcare business, where she not only cared for countless children but also formed many meaningful relationships, some of which turned into lifelong friendships. She was special to many people in many different ways.

She was not always the most outwardly affectionate person, but her heart was big, and she showed her love through actions helping in her own way, when and how she knew best. To her children, she instilled strong morals and life lessons that each carries forward today. They lovingly call it “the Bobbie Jo” in us.

Bobbie Jo was known for her sharp wit and sense of humor. Anyone who knew her knew to be ready to laugh. She had a gift for making light of even the most serious moments and loved giving people a hard time usually with a smirk that let you know she meant it in love. She could be the nicest or the meanest person in the room, depending on the moment, and she owned that fully. She was hot headed at times, undeniably stubborn, and very set in her ways, but those same traits were part of what made her so strong and unforgettable.

Her faith was something that carried her through life and helped keep her going, even in difficult seasons. She was always a listening ear to “her people,” offering support, advice, or just someone to sit with when needed.

Bobbie Jo also had her quirks she liked to entertain only on her own terms. Unannounced visitors were not her favorite, a fact she made very clear when her kids were growing up with a sign on the door that read: “Visitors not welcome without an appointment.” She loved her routines, loved her Coke though in recent years it became Dr Pepper and was always up for a quick trip to get one.

Above all, Bobbie Jo was deeply loved. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and she will be missed far more than we even realize yet. Her laughter, her lessons, her strength, and her love will live on through her children, grandchildren, and everyone who was blessed to know her.

In her own words, she never wanted to look down and see any of us sad. In honoring her wishes, we choose not to say goodbye, but rather see you again one day.

Until then, we will carry her laughter, her lessons, and the “Bobbie Jo” in us forward, just as she would want.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Forest Park West Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr. in Shreveport on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. prior to the graveside service.