Theresa Ann Muller

Theresa “T” Ann Muller left us on June 6, 2025, after a short illness. She had many memorable facets: loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She enjoyed working and providing for herself and her family, whether in her first job as a phone operator at A. Dirksen & Sons Complete Home Furnishings in downtown Springfield, followed by serving as an executive assistant for the State of Illinois (most notably as the personal assistant to former Illinois State Treasurer Jerry Cosentino), and finally finding her true professional passion as a successful real estate broker for 10 years for Realty Executives. She retired in 2002 to travel with the love of her life, her husband, George Standefer.

T was well known to her family and friend circle as someone who loved life and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining and feeding everyone. Her biscuits and sausage gravy were a wonderful treat, and her lemon bars (along with many other delicious dishes) were the envy of any baker. She would bring the fun to every celebration, showcasing her perfect, memorable smile. Theresa’s death is simply a continuation of her love story with George, and we know he was there to greet her when she passed.

She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, George Standefer; parents, George and Dorothy Muller of Athens; brothers, George Muller, Jr., of Frankfort, KY, and James L. Muller, of Athens; and brother-in-law, Michael E. Aiello of Conyers, GA.

Theresa is survived by her son, John Winterbauer (Mary Kinsella) of Springfield; daughter, Julie Winterbauer of Sherman; stepson, John (Julie) Holm of Chatham; stepdaughter, Deborah (Curtis) Starkweather of Rochester; grandchildren, Ian Winterbauer, Caitlin (Cassidy Phillips) Winterbauer, Marlie Clark, Brenna Clark, Adam (Arianna) Holm, Kyle (Amanda) Dace, Taylor (Alexa) Dace, Kevin (Lindsey) Starkweather, and Kara Starkweather. She was blessed with six great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister, Judith Aiello of Bombay, Florida; brother, Chuck (Carol) Muller of Petersburg; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Muller of Sherman.

Theresa will be cremated and laid to rest at Chatham Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend the brief graveside service and share their sentiments.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Chatham, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham.