Roberta “Bobbie” June Carel Brandes, age 90, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully at her home in Batesville, Indiana on May 28, 2021. Bobbie was the daughter of Elizabeth and Archie Carel. She graduated from Batesville High School–Class of 1948–and worked for several local businesses exhibiting a strong work ethic and personable professionalism that continued throughout her working life. She married Rodney Brandes in August 1955 and her sons Rand and Tim were born in 1956 and 1960 respectively. Bobbie was devoted to her family and proud of their accomplishments.
In 1964, she became the Administrative Assistant for Batesville High School where she served selflessly and skillfully for almost forty years. In this role, Bobbie worked to support and uplift the students, faculty and staff of BHS. “Mrs. B” helped set-up sporting events, sold tickets at the gate or door, cheered on the teams, and deposited the funds late at night throughout the school year. In 2014 she received the Meritorious Service Award and was inducted into the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame.
In the BHS office, she was a caring guardian of the sick student, the struggling student, as well as the aspiring student, helping with college and scholarship applications. The high school community loved and respected her. Bobbie was a mentor to many, especially the young female teachers and civic-minded young women of the community. She was a trailblazer for the strong and independent women of Batesville that are leading the city’s cultural and civic organizations today.
Known for her generosity and a loyal supporter of philanthropic initiatives in the area, Bobbie could be seen at concerts and fish fries alike. She was active in community life, serving two terms on The Batesville City Council. As with everything in her life, Bobbie was a responsible and engaged council member. She also served on various commissions, such as the Mayor’s Committee for the Performing Arts. In her younger married years she loved to play bridge and socialize with her friends. Bobbie enjoyed playing golf, scoring a hole-in-one late in life. Once she retired, she spent even more time traveling abroad, spending time with friends and family, solving word puzzles and almost managed to sky dive on her 90th birthday.
In addition to her parents, Bobbie was preceded in death by her sister Glenda McKittrick and brother Jerry Carel and sister Kay Jarvis. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Rodney Brandes; son Rand and his wife Beth of Hickory, North Carolina; son Tim Brandes and his wife Stephanie of Batesville; grandson Blake Harris Brandes and his wife, Valerie Brender of Berkeley, California; brother Orville Moody and several nieces and nephews.
Her family wishes to thank her faithful friends and loving caregivers in recent months. They have cared for Bobbie with skill and utmost respect.
A Celebration of Bobbie’s life will be held at Batesville United Methodist Church on Wednesday June 2nd, at 10 a.m., followed by burial in the church cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday June 1st, from 4-6 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Batesville Community Educational Foundation, https://batesvilleeducationfoundation.org/alumni/ in memory of Bobbie Brandes or sent to Batesville Community Education Foundation; Roberta “Bobbie” Brandes Legacy Fund; P.O. Box 121; Batesville, IN 47006.