Barbara (“Bobbie”) Ruth Eschelbach Reutter, 80, of Toms River, passed away peacefully April 19, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family at Community Medical Center. Barbara attended St. James Grammar School and was a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School, Class of 1962. Bobbie was an exceptionally bright student. She was awarded major scholarships and was integral in RBC being awarded the Association for the Promotion of the Study of Latin trophy when she was a student.
She graduated with honors from Georgian Court College in 1966 while majoring in foreign language studies. Her love and knowledge of languages allowed her to transition into a career as a Latin teacher. She went on to teach Latin at Brick Township High School, Manalapan High School, Freehold Regional High School, Monsignor Donovan, St. Rose and, most notably, at her alma mater, Red Bank Catholic (Go, Caseys!).
Bobbie spent her retired years doting on her cherished grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to spoil them with gifts, affection or her loving embrace. Her love of learning never ceased as she continued to do the New York Times crossword puzzles daily. She was an enthusiastic reader, carried her Kindle with her at all times and relished reading her mystery novels.
If she wasn’t reading or broadening her horizons, she was watching her beloved Philadelphia Phillies through all their ups and downs. She was dedicated to texting her family with live, in-game Phillies updates and especially enjoyed her “Schwar-bomb” messages. She always looked forward to spending time with her classmates and friends from Georgian Court College and Red Bank Catholic. She was active and dedicated to the alumni association and reunion committees for both schools and never missed an opportunity to attend a class get-together.
She enjoyed classic love-story movies, singing, getting her nails painted, cooking for the holidays and baking from scratch.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Joseph and Ruth Eschelbach, her infant brother Michael, brother Arthur, sister Rosemary Gleitz and her brother-in-law Paul Gleitz. Additionally, she was predeceased by her parents-in-law, Thomas and Dorothy Reutter, brother-in-law Dr. Thomas Reutter and sister-in-law Dorothy Brusamonti. Bobbie was also preceded in death by many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
She is survived by her husband Robert G. Reutter, whom she met in November 1968, married in August 1969 and was married to for 55 beautiful years. She is also survived by her sons, Michael Robert Reutter, Dr. Mark Thomas Reutter and his wife Rita, and daughter Megan Hefner and her husband Wayne. Additionally, she is survived by her sister Joann (Jim) Plumaker of Red Bank, brother Paul (Michael) Eschelbach of West Long Branch, and Dr. Matthew Eschelbach (Jeanine) of Bend, Oregon. She leaves her cherished grandchildren to whom her wit, intellect, generosity and kindness will be bequeathed: Jackson, Chloe, Christian, Clara, Carson, Maddie and Mia. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, close friends and a large extended family.
Visitation was held April 24 at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, Toms River. A funeral Mass was held April 25 at St. Joseph’s Church, Toms River. Cremation was private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Autism Speaks at autismspeaks.org in memory of Bobbie.
The article originally appeared in the May 1 – 7, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
