Barbara Kirkpatrick Muller

Barbara Kirkpatrick Muller, of Austin, TX, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 11, 2024. She was the youngest daughter of the late Sudie Kirkpatrick and Haskell McGill Kirkpatrick. She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert Muller, her stepson, Marvin Muller, and her older sister, Sandra (Kirkpatrick) Howe.

She is survived by her sons, Kent and Keith Odland; her stepsons, Arden and Bruce Muller; her brother, Haskell McGill Kirkpatrick II; and 11 beloved grandchildren: Ross Murdock, Cameron Murdock, Molly Odland, Charlotte Odland, Severin Odland, Seth Odland, Austin Muller, Eric Muller, Mason Muller, Kristen Douglas, and Nick Smith. She also leaves behind many nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Raised in Great Falls, SC, Barbara grew up in a tight-knit family and was surrounded by close friends who watched over the neighborhood children as they played from house to house. The Kirkpatrick family was deeply active in their church where they had their own “Kirkpatrick pew.” Barbara excelled in academics and extracurricular activities at Great Falls High School. She was a member of the varsity basketball team, served as yearbook editor, and was honored as Homecoming Queen.

Barbara attended Winthrop College, where she won the title of “Ms. Winthrop” and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She maintained lifelong friendships with her college classmates and regularly attended class reunions.

In her early life, Barbara married Russ Odland, began her career, and started her family. Her first son, Kent, was born in Richmond, VA, where she also made lifelong friends. After moving to St. Petersburg, FL, she welcomed her second son, Keith. Barbara was deeply involved in her sons’ education, serving as a PTA leader and regular school volunteer. Her home was always open to neighborhood children who would come over to play and eat her wonderful cooking. She regularly hosted dinner parties and bridge games with her many friends and neighbors.

Barbara was also active in her church and served as a youth group leader for many years. Family was always her first priority, and she reconnected with extended family regularly in South Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia for holidays and reunions. Eventually, she moved to Plano, TX, where she began her career at Frito-Lay as a food scientist.

In her middle years, Barbara married Herbert Muller and gained three additional sons: Arden, Marvin, and Bruce Muller. During her successful career at Frito-Lay, she led teams in developing and bringing new products to market, including SunChips. After retiring, Barbara became deeply involved in her church’s Stephen Ministry, helping others in need. As her sons’ families grew, she began new traditions with family reunions across Texas at numerous lakes and state parks.

Later in life, Barbara and Herbert retired to a lake house where she enjoyed teaching her grandchildren to cook, reading to them for hours in hammocks and porch swings, and creating beautiful needlepoint artwork to commemorate special events and milestones. Her grandchildren fondly remember her “Oma bag,” always filled with thoughtful gifts just for them.

Barbara was a beautiful soul, known for her kind heart, gentle touch, and unwavering faith. She was a devoted Christian, and an extraordinary mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Her life will be celebrated on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, located at 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, which can be made online at alz.org.