Barbara Lee "Bobbie" (Immel) Muhlbach

In Loving Memory of Barbara “Bobbie” Lee (Immel) Muhlbach 

Age 78, our beloved “Bobbie” passed away unexpectedly in her Columbus home on March 12, 2025. Bobbie was born March 6, 1947, to Dr. Robert and Harriet “Toby” Immel in Massillon, Ohio, where she lived as a devoted resident for more than 70 years. Bobbie and her husband, John Muhlbach, moved to Columbus in 2021 to support her medical care at The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center and The James Cancer Research Hospital.

Bobbie graduated from Washington High School in 1965, and went on to study Speech/Theater and English and play Varsity Tennis at Otterbein University. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Theater/Creative Drama at The Ohio State University. Bobbie returned to Massillon with the love of her life and husband, John. There she thrived as a beloved English teacher and Speech and Debate coach at Washington High School for 28 years. In honor of her exceptional service in the classroom, Bobbie was named Washington High School Teacher of the Year, The Massillon Development Foundation Educator of the Year, and was a member of The Ohio Speech and Debate Association’s Coaches Hall of Fame. 

Bobbie loved travel, tennis, golf, the arts, and gardening. She was a loyal patron and avid supporter of the Massillon Museum, a member of the Massillon Woman's Club, a congregant and choir member at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church. Bobbie loved to make pottery at the Canton Potter’s Guild and connect with nature on photography excursions with the Akron Camera Club. Bobbie’s joy for meeting new people and sharing laughter knew no bounds, and she will be remembered for her contagious smile, vivacious spirit, and unwavering commitment to experiencing life to the fullest. 

Most important in Bobbie’s life was family. She celebrated cherished companionship, unwavering devotion, and spirited adventure in a 56 year marriage. Her daughters, Leslie Muhlbach and Lauren Cline; and her 5 grandchildren (Micah Muhlbach, Joshua Cline, Corey Cline, Jordan Cline, and Courtney Cline) were the joys of her life and will always hold the keys to her heart. 

Preceded in death by parents; Dr. Robert Immel and Harriet “Toby” Immel; sister, Betsy (Immel) Conner; grandson, Corey Cline; Bobbie is survived by her husband, John Muhlbach; her daughters, Leslie Muhlbach, Lauren Cline and husband Doug Cline; grandchildren, Micah Muhlbach, Joshua Cline, Jordan Cline, Courtney Cline; siblings, brother Craig Immel and wife Sue Immel, sister Pam Hulit and husband Lloyd Hulit, and many cherished cousins.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025, at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 226 3rd St SE. Massillon 44646, officiated by Fr. George Baum. Her family will receive visitors beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the church. The family recommends memorials offered in Bobbie’s name to The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Center Research or The Stefanie Spielman Patient Assistance Fund, The Massillon Museum, and/or St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church of Massillon. Arrangements are by Atkinson-Feucht-Hare Funeral Home in Massillon, Ohio.  Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added here to Bobbie’s on-line guestbook.

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