Like you said, certainly there was more to her life than membership in the club. I don't think Jim meant that he was better in any way than her. I think he was pointing out the highly unusual focal point the person who wrote the obit inserted at the top of the bit.

As for me, I sincerely hope my survivors run out of room or money before they get to EITHER the slot clubs I am in, OR my involvement in the chip collecting hobby.