Memorial Services for Robbi Y. Jenkins, 70, Lawrence, will be at Noon on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Robbi was born on December 2, 1954, the first child of Linnie and Robert Banks of Starkville, MS. She grew up in many places due to her father’s military career. In school, Robbi was an exceptional student who also excelled in ballet and cheer. She graduated from Yorktown High School in New York. After high school, Robbi attended Howard University and Fisk University. She left college to work for Delta Airlines as a flight attendant.
Robbi married Frank Jenkins in 1981, and they later divorced. Robbi found her true calling when she attended Washburn Culinary School and received her Culinary Arts degree. She began her career at the Ritz Carlton Hotel working under the tutelage of Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bonbaras. After leaving the Ritz Carlton, she spent the next years working in many different restaurant kitchens. She moved to Lawrence Kansas to accept the position of Head Chef at the fine dining establishment of Prairie Fire Restaurant. She later worked as Room Chef and Main Chef at the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City. After Ameristar, Robbi was hired to lead the culinary team at Prairie Band Casino as the Executive Chef.
Robbi also served on the board of Meals on Wheels and other charitable endeavors.
Following many years of culinary success, Robbi retired. At home she enjoyed preparing delicious and innovative meals for her family and friends.
Robbie departed this world on January 28, 2025 by simply falling asleep and never awakening.
