MarDel "Robbie" Robbins

MarDel “Robbie” Robbins, 92, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, with brief hospice support. He joins his beloved wife of 71 years, Bette Jean (Thompson) Robbins, who preceded him in death on October 14, 2024. They resided at Oakley Place Assisted Living in Greenville, Ohio and both received care from Day City Hospice before passing.

MarDel was born on September 11, 1933, in Spartanburg, Randolph County, Indiana, to Ernest “Ditty” Robbins and S. Marie (Worley) Robbins. He grew up on the same family farm where his father was born, learning the values of hard work and family that shaped his life. His brother, Bob Robbins of Lynn, Indiana preceded him in death. Surviving brother, Gene Robbins resides in Dunnellon, Florida.

MarDel graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1951, where he excelled in the band, baseball, basketball, and track. He continued his athletic career by playing college basketball at Butler University in Indianapolis, then Florida Southern University in Lakeland, Florida. During high school, he began dating Bette Thompson (Class of 1952), and they married on July 26, 1953, at Spartanburg United Methodist Church. Shortly after, MarDel served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955.

Following his military service, MarDel began a long and dedicated career in manufacturing. He worked at Westinghouse in Union City, Indiana (1956) before joining Union City Body Company in 1957, where he remained for 34 years until his retirement in 1991. His career included a transfer to Detroit, Michigan (1968), where he and Bette lived in Northville, Michigan (1968–1986). In 1986, MarDel transferred back to Union City, Indiana. After retirement, they moved south, residing in Peachtree City, Georgia; Amelia Island, Florida; and Thomasville, Georgia, always members of a PGA golf club. They later returned to Winchester, Indiana in 2002 to care for aging family members.

MarDel’s work took him across the country and around the world. He traveled to 49 states and internationally to Germany, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Poland, and Venezuela, experiences that reflected his adventurous spirit and commitment to his profession.

MarDel was a sports fanatic, an avid golfer, and a man who truly loved his family. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved—qualities that defined his life and touched everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his only child, Mitchell R. Robbins and his wife Debra J. (Reynolds) Robbins of Marshall, Michigan; and his cherished grandchildren, Keegan and Julie (Hargreave) Robbins, Hannah (Robbins) and Rick Albaugh, and Celeste Robbins and

partner David VanZandt, all of Marshall, Michigan. He also leaves behind three beloved great-grandchildren: McKenzie Albaugh, Sebastian Jones, and Adelyn Robbins, all of Marshall, Michigan.

Reichard Funeral Home of Union City, Indiana will conduct joint services on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. for both MarDel and Bette (Thompson) Robbins. The service will be held at Spartanburg Cemetery in Spartanburg, Randolph County, Indiana.

A Celebration of Life gathering will follow at the home of cousins Rhonda (Stump-Rust) and George Chalfant at 7493 N 500 W, Ridgeville, Indiana, 47380.

MarDel’s legacy of love, laughter, kindness, and family devotion will live in the hearts of all who knew him.

Memories may be shared online at www.reichardfh.com.