Geneva "Ginny" Davenport Mueller

Geneva Davenport Mueller, “Ginny”, 83, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, just days after the love of her life, John Mueller. It brings comfort to those who loved her that they are reunited once again. She told the Dr’s to please let her go to him.

Born on June 27, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland, Ginny was the daughter of Toni Davenport Fudge and was later lovingly raised by her stepfather, Dr. Felix Preston Fudge. From a young age, Ginny’s life was filled with movement and passion—both literally and figuratively. Traveling across the U.S. and Canada with her mother to open Arthur Murray Dance Studios, Ginny’s early years were marked by resilience, independence, and a deep love of the arts.

She attended Catholic and public schools from Vancouver to Fort Worth to New York City, where she famously took the train by herself at the age of eight to take dance lessons with Mr. Murray himself. A bright student with a flair for performance, Ginny graduated from Miami Beach High School and entered Rollins College at just 16 years old. There, she studied English and Theatre. She spent every spare minute in the theater and was a proud member of Chi Omega sorority.

After college, Ginny had dreams of joining the CIA—a path she could not pursue due to her mother telling everyone so she wouldn’t pass the background check. Instead, she began her career at Maas Brothers in Tampa and later managed their Sarasota location. When her mother called her back to St. Petersburg to help run the Arthur Murray studio on Central Avenue, Ginny stepped into the world of dance full time. She eventually went on to own and operate six Arthur Murray Dance Studios on Florida’s west coast alongside her husband, John.

Ginny met John Mueller at the St. Petersburg studio, and the two married in 1970. Together, they built a life of business success, mentorship, and community. As studio owners and dance directors, they trained countless individuals, fostered friendships, and brought joy to many. Ginny was an accredited judge and served as Area Dance Director for the Southeastern U.S. She is especially remembered for her generosity, including her tradition of hosting Christmas Eve parties so no one in her dance family would be alone for the holidays.

Ginny was a woman of exceptional intelligence, integrity, and strength. A savvy businesswoman, gifted manager, and practical thinker, she led with both heart and principle. She cherished her faith, valued loyalty, and believed deeply in the quality—not quantity—of relationships. Her lifelong best friend, whom she met in the late 1970s, remained a treasured part of her life. That friend does not know how she treasured that friendship!

Ginny loved to read—often finishing a book a day—and enjoyed playing bridge, gin, solitaire, and traveling. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren and considered being a mother her greatest joy and accomplishment.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Mueller; her mother, Toni Davenport Fudge; and the man she called father, Dr. Felix Preston Fudge.

Ginny is survived by her brother, Felix Davenport Fudge; her daughter, Michelle Mueller Lea; her sons, Michael Mueller and Edward Mueller; and her grandchildren: Michael John Mueller, Chante Mueller, Connor Lea, Chelsea Lea, William Lea, and Thomas Lea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, in loving memory of John and Geneva Mueller.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held for John and Ginny on May 3rd 4pm – Saradance studio- 2821 Cattlemen rd, Sarasota, Florida 34232