Bobbie will be laid to rest at Golden Gate National Cemetery next to Ben at a private ceremony in February 2013.
Barbara S. Bendel (Bobbie) 81, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2012, in Carlsbad, CA. Bobbie was born to a Navy family on September 20, 1931 in Norfolk, VA as Barbara Jane Simpler.
She married LCDR Roland M. Bendel (Ben) in Coronado, California in 1952. They retired from the Navy to Gilroy, California in the summer of 1967, where Bobbie was active in the March of Dimes, Beautification in Gilroy (B.I.G.) Project, the Gilroy Garlic Festival, and she served as the president of the Gilroy Golf Club. During her term as president, Bobbie spearheaded the construction project that resulted in the restroom off the 6th Tee – affectionately known as “The Bendel Building.” She also “owned” the 5th hole at the Gilroy Golf Course where she had as many as three holes-in-one.
Bobbie loved to play bridge, golf and always enjoyed her friends and a good dessert.
Bobbie is survived by her grandchildren, Nellie and Harris; her children Nancy, Katy, and John; and their loving spouses.
If you wish to make a charitable donation in Bobbie’s memory, please consider the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project or Alzheimer’s Association.
