Obituaries

Robert Lee “Bob” Boden, 88, of California, KY, died on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

He was a widower, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor. He did not know a stranger. He worked as a professional dry wall finisher and owned and operated two beef cattle farms, one at his home in Campbell County, KY and one in Bracken County, KY. He spent many an hour in the barn before and after work and in the hayfields after a hard day’s work drywall finishing.

He was a long-time member of 1st Twelve Mile Baptist Church and more recently was re-dedicated and baptized at Immanuel Baptist Church. He was best known as a generous, kind, and caring friend and neighbor with a heart of gold who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He believed that neighbors should help each other and strangers alike, especially through difficult times, not for recognition but because it was the right thing to do. He enabled several people to acquire housing, would gift people anonymously and in the later part of his life, he would make and gift cutting boards to show appreciation.
He was a practical joker, especially at work. He had a special twinkle in his eyes and smirk on his face that those who knew him best recognized when he had mischievous thoughts. He was also skilled at stirring the pot without anyone knowing it.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Henry Boden, Sr. and Bertha Lee “Bertie” (nee Barnett) Boden; the love of his life of 50 years, Arlene June (nee Steelman) Boden; his brother, Edward Henry “Ed” Boden, Jr.; and his granddaughter, Jessica Ellen Mitchell.

He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Christen and Lori (Wayne) Mitchell; his brother, Hugh (Nancy) Boden; his grandchildren, Alex (Lenzie) Christen, Hannah Christen, Tyler Mitchell; and his great grandchildren, Hazel Christen, Charleigh Whited, and Iris Whited; as well as several nieces and nephews, many neighbors and friends including his companion, Bobbie Cochran.

A visitation will be held on Monday June 15, 2026, at the Immanual Baptist Church, 1237 Rockyview Drive, Cold Spring, KY 41076, from 10:00am – 11:00am, the service will begin at 11:00am with Rev. Jeff Fain officiating. Entombment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Immanual Baptist Church.