08/24/2026
GSTOP recently lost a beloved friend of Girl Scouts, Bobbie Heckathorn.
In Elementary school her mother gave her the gift of Girl Scouting, both an identity and a passion she cultivated her entire life. By high school she was certified in swimming, life-guarding, water safety, and watercraft operations. She received First Class Honors and was selected to represent Dallas and the state of Texas at Regional and National Conferences while still a high school student.
After college, Bobbie moved to Houston, Texas to work for the Girl Scouts. In the 1960s, she worked to diversify its programming and bring opportunities to girls in underserved areas. She lifeguarded at pools where others refused, so that all children could have the opportunity to swim.
When she stopped working to raise her family, she continued this vitally important work as a volunteer. Bobbie held every position one could in the Girl Scout movement through 40 years of volunteering, ranging from Troop leader all the way to President of the Board of Directors of Circle T Council from 1984 to 1991. She led efforts that raised millions of dollars to support the empowerment of girls and to maintain Camps Timberlake and Stevens Ranch. Her devotion to scouting led the council to create in her honor The Bobbie Heckathorn Cookie Sale Award, given annually to an outstanding fundraising volunteer. She was the recipient of the Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II, the highest national awards presented to an adult Girl Scout, which recognize exemplary service benefiting the entire Girl Scout movement.
When her children were older she began working for the Parenting Guidance Center where countless families benefited from her educational programs. She blended her work and volunteer life seamlessly, helping numerous charities, civic groups and school districts.
We are deeply grateful for Bobbie’s years of dedication to Girl Scouting and the countless lives she touched along the way. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the Girl Scout community who had the privilege of knowing her. Read more about Bobbie’s life and legacy at https://www.goldengatefuneralhome.com/obituaries/barbara-heckathorn.
