Roberta “Bobbie” Novak, age 78 of Leonidas, MI passed away at her home unexpectedly on November 1, 2026. She was born in Columbus, OH on July 30, 1948 the daughter of Robert and Joan (Beery) Taylor. Bobbie attended Northridge High School in Ohio and was part of the 1966 graduating class. During that time, she also took vo-tech courses and earned her license as a beautician in 1966. She was a beautician for over 40 years and ultimately ran her own beauty shop, Changes, near Fisher Lake in Three Rivers, MI. On October 12, 1974 she would marry the love of her life, Douglas Novak, in Columbus, OH and would spend 44 wonderful years together before his passing in 2018.

Bobbie could not sit still or rest and was always active in her many hobbies and interests. She had many gardens, always making sure she planted her peppers and tomatoes (not just any tomatoes – heirloom tomatoes and of course, Mr. Stripey). She loved to plant beautiful and vibrant flowers, all the while watching the butterflies and hummingbirds flutter around. Bobbie loved all kinds of music, ranging from polka to Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Alice Cooper; every hobby or occasion had its own theme music, which was always playing in the house. Traveling was always an adventure, taking trips out west and even to Newfoundland. She was an old school navigator, looking at her many maps and planning the best route for the day. Bobbie was a sucker for boat rides, any chance she had to get on a boat, she took that chance. On one occasion in Canada, the pontoon almost capsized, because she would not return to land, unless she could bring this big chunk of granite back with her (this massive granite rock sits in her yard to this day). In 1980, Bobbie and the family moved to Leonidas, and since that day, a tradition was born. Sunday Dinners. Bobbie wanted to make sure, that no matter who or when, if they showed up on Sunday, they had a family dinner. A great ending to a day, filled with cleaning the entire house listening to polka music.

Bobbie is survived by her three children; Chad Baker, Anthony (Heather) Novak, and Nicole Novak; two grandchildren; Caegan and Blake Baker; four siblings; Brenda (Bob) Marshall, Julie Taylor, Ed Taylor, and Gary (Frieda) Taylor; and many extended families and friends. She was preceded in passing by her parents, Robert and Joan Taylor, her sister-in-law, Linda Taylor, and her husband, Douglas Novak.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation is being conducted. Visitation will be held for Bobbie on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 1pm -3pm at the Eickhoff Funeral Home (311 W Main St., Mendon, MI 49072) with a memorial service beginning at 3pm with her son, Chad Baker officiating. A private burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery will take place at a later date. It is suggested that donations in memory of Bobbie be directed to your local library. Condolences and memories can be expressed to her family at eickhofffuneralhome.com