Mildred Loraine Brand, 85, of Muncie, Indiana, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side on Saturday morning, September 23, 2023.  She was born December 8, 1937 at home in Deerfield, Indiana to the late Eleanor Mae (Humbarger) and Harold Peter Hotmire.  Mildred was a 1956 graduate of Royerton High School and married her high school sweetheart, Max Eugene Brand on February 2, 1957.

She worked as an Administrative Assistant at Royerton High School in Royerton, Indiana before moving to the Schools Central Office.  She finished her career as an Administrative Assistant for the Principal at Delta Middle School, working a total of 31 years in the school system.

Mildred was a graceful, dignified and strong woman who devoted her life to her family and friends.  As a dedicated mother first and foremost, she treasured her children and embraced every moment with them.  She planned many family gatherings and made them special for everyone.  She was an exceptional role model for her children and others.  As her daughter, Melia, recently stated, and her brothers agree, "She was the best mom ever."  She especially cherished her role as grandmother and great grandmother.  A fan of all sports, she especially loved attending the competitions of her children and grandchildren.  A farm girl at heart, she never forgot her roots, which kept her humble.  She did have one weakness, which was chocolate.  Her chocolate cake and brownies were legendary.  One always had to know where the not-so-secret, secret jar of chocolate candy was in her home.  Her lasting legacy will be how she cared for others and unselfishly put everyone else first.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Max Eugene Brand of Muncie; sons Mark Eugene Brand (Lori) of Phoenix, Arizona, and Michael Allen Brand (Lisa) of Albany, and daughter Melia Lynn Clawson (Brian) of Muncie; brother Richard Hotmire (Janet) of Muncie and sister Sharon Stoner (Larry) of Lafayette.  Mildred was blessed with six grandchildren: Colby Brand (Nicole), Ashley Brand, Mackenzie Martin (Brandon), Lindsey Emeterio (Tanner), Skyler Brand (Haleigh) and Devin Clawson and six great grandchildren: Nolan, Josephine, Lauren, Wilder, Aspen and Abel.  She was preceded in death by her parents Eleanor and Harold Hotmire and her brother Norman Hotmire.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on September 28, 2023 at Garden View Funeral Home.

10501 N. State Road 3, Muncie, Indiana, 47303. Friends and family may call, at the same location, from 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service.  Lifelong friend and confidant of 72 years, RuthAnn Fowler-Melzer of Lakemont, Georgia, will officiate the remembrance.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hearts And Hands United of Delaware County, P.O.Box 969, Muncie, Indiana, 47308.