Barbara “Bobbie” Frango Zicafoose, 75, of Fincastle, went peacefully to be with Jesus on Thursday, August 1, 2024, after an extended illness.
Bobbie was born on February 6, 1949, to David Ollie, Jr. and Carol Bryant Frango in Iron Gate. After graduating from James River High School in 1967, she became the first member of her family to ever attend college. She initially earned her nursing degree from C&O School of Nursing. Bobbie obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Radford University and her Nurse Practitioner License and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia.
Bobbie was a dedicated nurse for over 47 years. She spent 40 years of her nursing career at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salem, where she established the Women’s Health Clinic Program that was mirrored throughout the country. Additionally, she was the first nurse practitioner ever selected from the VA Health System to testify before Congress. She was an adjunct professor for Radford and Virginia Commonwealth Universities. She was awarded National Nurse of the Year for the VA Health System. In addition to her commitment in the field of nursing, Bobbie also volunteered as a medic for the Fincastle Rescue Squad for 14 years and was a CPR instructor for the American Red Cross.
In 1970, Bobbie married her high school sweetheart, Nelson Dan Zicafoose, Sr., who survives her in death along with their son, Nelson Dan Zicafoose, Jr. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jordan Zicafoose, Brianna (Owen) Smith, and Chelsea Zicafoose; one great grandchild; siblings, Brenda (Tommy) Tyree, Beverley (Leonard) Clark, and Bonita (Steve) McNeill; in-laws, Pat Monroe, Frank Thurston, Jay Johnson; and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Throughout her life, Bobbie was an active member of Fincastle Baptist, Pleasant Hill, and Troutville Baptist Churches and focused on working with children, choir, and missions. She went on 24 mission trips, played both the organ and piano, and served as a Deacon. She spent over 30 years playing softball. She had a servant’s heart and dedicated her life to God, family, and always helping others.
In addition to her parents, Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Nelson Dana Zicafoose and Zella Hayes Zicafoose; and in-laws, Kathryn Thurston, Barbara Johnson, and Buck Monroe, Jr. The family would like to send a special thank you to Mary Whitrow for her care and compassion throughout Bobbie’s illness.
A visitation will be held from 3-4 p.m. prior to a memorial service that will take place at Botetourt Funeral Home in Buchanan on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 4 p.m. by the Rev. Ray Sandifer. A reception will be held in the funeral home after the service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Glen Wilton United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 42, Glen Wilton, 24538). Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com or 540-254-3000.
