Barbara Raney Muller passed away peacefully on December 9, 2017 at the Arbour Health Center at Westminster in Austin, Texas. She is survived by her daughter Carol Sue Muller of New York City, her son John Michael (Jack) Muller and his wife Michele Muller of Mansfield, Texas, and Jack and Michele's daughters Jocelyn and Claire Muller. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Fred Willard Muller and her parents Vernon and Hazel Raney.
Barbara was born and raised in Lockhart, Texas the only child of Vernon and Hazel Raney. She went to Texas Women's College in Denton, Texas and graduated with a degree in Business. She moved to Austin and worked for the IRS and at Scofield and Scofield where she sold war bonds. Barbara met Fred on a blind date and they were married in Lockhart in 1949. Fred served in World War II in the Air Force, and after the war he worked on Air Force bases. This took the family to Waco, San Marcos, Sacramento, and San Antonio. A move to Conroe, Texas came when Fred began a second career as an air traffic controller in Houston. When Fred took a job at Austin Mueller Airport the family settled in Austin where Barbara lived the rest of her life.
Barbara relished her role as wife and mother and stayed home to raise Jack and Sue. She took great pleasure in loving (and spoiling) the family cats over the years – Skeeter, Vanilla and Perry. She was a good cook and enjoyed hosting get-togethers for neighbors and friends. Barbara returned to work in her 50's. She took a job with the Texas Real Estate Commission where her coworkers were likely impressed with her organizational skills. Barbara took on a new role caring for Fred during his final years. She was a devoted and tireless caregiver who embraced her role with courage and strength.
Barbara began a new chapter of her life when she moved to Westminster, a senior living community in Austin. In 2014 she transitioned to The Arbour Health Center at Westminster. Jack and Sue would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the staff at The Arbour for the loving care she received there.
Barbara will be remembered for her outgoing and friendly personality and her warm smile. She was generous and selfless, always thinking of others first. Jack and Sue will be forever grateful for her unconditional support throughout their lives.
A celebration of Barbara's life is scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Westminster, 4100 Jackson Ave, Austin, Texas, 78731, (512) 454-4711. The service will be in Harris Bell Hall with a reception to follow.
Barbara and Fred were active members of University United Methodist Church. Jack and Sue are grateful to the church members and staff for their support and love of their mother.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barbara's memory to the University United Methodist Church (UUMC) Memorial Fund. Contributions can be mailed to: University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas 78705.
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