Mary Lee Muehling

Born on January 5, 1945, to Ralph and Christine White, Mary attended high school in Sterling Heights, Michigan. From an early age, Mary had a nurturing spirit. She lovingly cared for her siblings as they grew up, taking on the role of protector, caregiver, and someone they could turn to for guidance. Her sister Louise especially looked up to Mary and treasured her advice. Even as a young girl, Mary had a way of looking after those she loved, a quality that would remain with her throughout her life.

Mary eventually met and married the love of her life, Robert Muehling. Mary raised two daughters, Glenda and Cheryl, who were the center of her world. But Mary's heart never stopped with the children she gave birth to. She also opened her heart and home to Lili and Desiree, loving and cherishing them as her own daughters.

Mary had a remarkable ability to make people feel loved, cared for, and important. She was a mother figure in so many ways to her siblings when they were growing up, to her daughters, to her chosen daughters, and to those fortunate enough to experience her unconditional love. She didn't have to be asked to care; it was simply who she was. Her love showed through her concern, her advice, her thoughtfulness, and the countless ways she made sure the people in her life knew they mattered.

Mary was spunky, outgoing, caring, loving, and thoughtful. She had a personality that could fill a room and a heart big enough to make room for everyone. She was an accomplished gardener who took great pride in her garden. She treasured her 1971 classic Candy Apple Red Volkswagen Super Beetle show car and enjoyed listening to albums, playing the drums, piano and guitar, and harmonicas.

Her friends and family treasured spending time with her and listening to her many stories. Whether sharing advice, enjoying a good conversation, laughing with loved ones, or simply spending time together, Mary made ordinary moments special. She had a way of making people feel like they belonged, and many will remember her not only as a friend or family member, but as someone who loved them like a mother.

In the early seventies, Mary was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in Detroit, Michigan. Her faith became an important part of her life. She loved speaking about the truth, sharing the beautiful hope of Paradise and the resurrection, and pioneering to share God's love with others. She was a faithful servant of Jehovah, and her faith gave her hope and comfort throughout her life.

Mary will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished sister, a treasured friend, and a woman whose heart seemed to have an endless supply of love. She taught those around her that motherhood is not defined solely by birth, but by the love you give, the lives you touch, and the people you nurture along the way.

Those who preceded Mary in death include: her parents, Ralph and Christine White; her beloved husband, Robert Muehling; and her siblings, Rehmonia "Mona" Maas, Carl (Doty) Ralph White, Edison White, Paul White, Alice Sims, and Charlie White.

Those left to cherish her memory include: her daughters, Glenda (Goodson) Padgett and Cheryl (Goodson) Thomason; her beloved chosen daughters, Lili and Desiree; her adored grandson, James Paul Padgett; her siblings, Louise (Terry) Riggs, Johnny (Cathy) White, and James "Dooley" (Janette) White; and her sister in law, Shannon White; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 6200 Wilgrove Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, on November 7, 2026, at 4:00 pm. Following the service, friends and family are warmly encouraged to attend a repast hosted at the home of Mary's daughter, Cheryl Goodson and Glenda Padgett, located at 7614 Applewood Lane, Charlotte, NC 28227.

Floral arrangements may be sent to the Kingdom Hall.