Making a difference in one’s community - one’s world - can take on many forms. And the results of those good deeds touch many in the here-and-now,while forming a lasting legacy that touches future generations.

That’s why The Mexico Ledger honors Hidden Heroes.

Bobette Wilson was born and raised here in Mexico and is a Mexico High School alum. She has raised her children, who now have children of their own, and works tirelessly behind the scenes to preserve the history of our great town for future generations.

One of the first things people think about when asked about Bobette is how much love she has for her family.

“She homeschooled her children until they were in high school and she is very family oriented,” says Mary White Littrell, co-president of Simmons’ Stable Preservation.

Her dedication to family extends to her farm animals as well.

“She is an animal lover. She has goats, a couple horses, dogs, cats and I think she still has a llama,” says Littrell. “She keeps pretty busy just on the farm.”

Wilson is a co-president of Simmons’ Stable Preservation and was recently awarded a customized paver in her honor for her preservation efforts towards the historic stable during their annual silent auction and Barn-BQue.

“Without her courage to step up and attempt what was thought to be virtually impossible by many in this community, none of this would be here today, we wouldn't be here today and we wouldn’t have this iconic piece of Mexico's history,” says Littrell.

Wilson worked for a year on her own to save the stables in 2001, traveling to places such as Kentucky and Kansas City to discuss her mission and procure donations. It was a race against time as plans for the stables’ demolition was already in the works. Jim Simmons had told Wilson that as long as he saw progress, he would keep the stables.

“She’s the one who spearheaded the project and got it going and without her, who knows what would be on the property,”says Littrell.

She continues her hands-on approach to ensuring the stables’ success as an event space. 

“Now here we are 23 years later and we’re just halfway there,” says Littrell.

What makes Wilson such a hero is undoubtedly her work ethic.

“She is a hard worker and doesn’t stop. It doesn’t matter what we're doing, she’ll tackle it,” says Littrell.

Mexico has such a rich history and Wilson fights to save, or at least honor, every little piece of it that she can. The walls of the stables’ bathrooms are lined with repurposed pieces of wood from the barn that sat across the street from Simmons’ Stables, which unfortunately needed to be demolished.

“When we couldn’t find the money to have it torn down, Bobette, myself and three other people actually tore the barn down board by board,” says Littrell. 

Thankfully for Mexico, there is no job that intimidates a go-getter like Wilson and once she gets started on something, she doesn't want to quit until the job is done.

“There were times when we were working at the stable and I would just have to tell her, Bobette, it’s time to go home. We have to go home,” says Littrell.

Wilson’s unwavering dedication behind the scenes ensures this town’s history will never be forgotten and her stunning work ethic is something worth recognizing. 

The Mexico Ledger is pleased to honor Bobette Wilson as our fourth Hidden Hero.

Do you know someone who volunteers their time to be a hero to others? Submit your nomination to: https://mexicoledger.com/hiddenhero/ .