Betty Mire Brandt

Betty Mire Brandt, age 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025, in Fountain Hills, Arizona, where she had lived with her daughter and son-in-law for the past three years. Born on April 11, 1932, in Patterson, Louisiana, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lance Mire and Leila Chauvin Mire. Betty grew up in Centerville, Louisiana, and after graduating from high school, moved to Brownsville, Texas, where she met and married Richard Russell Brandt. Their life together took them to San Antonio, Texas, and later to St. Louis, Missouri, where she resided for 59 years. Family was always central in her life, and she devoted many years to volunteering at St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf, where her daughter Susan attended. There, Betty co-founded THE TRUMPET, the school newspaper, opened and ran the gift store at the Pavilion, and served as President of the Ephpheta Society. Betty was also a well-known businesswoman in the St. Louis area. For 46 years, she owned and operated "Old House in Hog Hollow," a beloved retail shop located in a historic Chesterfield landmark. She had a passion for retail, a talent for repurposing antiques, and a love of traveling to markets in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Betty also had a gift for turning customers into lifelong friends. Outside of work, she cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren visiting them across the country. Her favorite pastime was fishing the bays and open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, from Louisiana to Florida and from her property in South Padre Island, Texas. Betty often said she lived her life with no regrets. She is survived by her children: Cynthia (Kim) Keith of Fountain Hills, Arizona; Robert (Lisseth) Brandt of Dallas, Texas; Susan Brandt of Chesterfield, Missouri; and David (Patricia) Brandt of Addieville, Illinois. She was a proud grandmother to Adam (Johanna) Keith, Sarah Gossner, Lindsey Keith, Tyler Keith, Kayla (James) Wade, Russell Brandt, and Clifford (Tina) Casey, and a cherished great-grandmother to Samantha Casey, Avery Gossner, Jaxon Law-Keith, Elowyn Keith, Savanna Keith, Mathis Keith, and AJ Wade. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Richard Brandt; her parents, Lance and Leila Mire; and all her siblings - eight brothers: Hubert, Charles, Tom, Nelson, L.J., Terry, Lanny, and Ted Mire; and two sisters: Vivian Mire and Janice Governale Arthur. There will be no funeral and interment of her ashes will take place at a later date at Buena Vista Burial Park in Brownsville, Texas, where she will rest alongside her husband. Arrangements have been entrusted to Messinger Mortuary (www.messingermortuary.com) in Fountain Hills, Arizona. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona, for their compassionate care during her final days.