Surprise Squad celebrates 102-year-old Arizona woman who help revitalize population of endangered wolf

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It was just a few decades ago that the Mexican Gray Wolf was on the brink of extinction in the United States.

Only a few remained in the wild in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, but their numbers are rebounding today thanks in large part to a Valley woman named Bobbie.

In the 1990s, she played a key role in bringing together environmentalists, ranchers and lawmakers in order to bring the animal back.

Earlier this month, Bobbie turned 102 years old, and when the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad heard about this, the team wanted to surprise this dynamic person.

A family friend named David calls her the mom he never had. He got emotional when he told Tess Rafols about what she meant to him.

“She is the most inspiring person I’ve ever met,” he said, adding that one of his favorite memories of her was last Christmas. David and her two daughters were celebrating the holiday and they took a selfie together. Afterward, Bobbie looked at the picture of all four of them and said, ‘My family.’

Tess, David and the Surprise Squad crew went into Bobbie’s home and found Bobbie at her computer. Tess gave her a bouquet of flowers in celebration of her birthday and sat down next to her to hear Bobbie’s story.

Bobbie said after she retired, she wanted to stay busy, and that’s how she came about trying to save the wolves. She felt the animal deserved to come back to its rightful habitat and that future generations of people should have a full complement of wildlife in their lives. She also claims that the wolves were often unfairly blamed for killing livestock, when in reality the predators were either bears or mountain lions.

On top of her work with the wolves, Bobbie has had a fascinating life. She told Tess she was in the Navy during World War II, and she’s also a published author.

After sharing her passion for the wolf, Tess asked Bobbie what her secret to longevity was. Bobbie summed it up with three words: faith, family, friends.

“Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad,” Tess said as she handed Bobbie and birthday card, “on behalf of your Valley Toyota Dealers, wanted to say happy birthday.”

Bobbie opened the card and was visibly surprised by the certificate inside stating she was being given $5,000 from the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad. Bobbie called it a wonderful gift because every month she struggles with her budget, and the money would help out a lot. She said the gift was a great surprise.

“That’s why we’re called the Surprise Squad!” Tess said with a big smile.

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