Barbara James Mueller

Barbara entered peacefully into her heavenly home on February 21, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Dr. Gilbert F. Mueller, Jr., five children, Jeff, Kathy, Deb, Bill (Chris), and Beth. Oma was cherished by her five grandchildren; John (Kim), Meg (Lucas), Jack, Jimmy, Will, and great grandchildren Rylee and Brady.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on November 3, 1930, Barbie enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Maplewood, NJ, including summers on Cape Cod and at Camp Runoia in Maine. She graduated from Colby Sawyer College in New Hampshire where she met Gil, a Dartmouth College student. After making their way across the country for Ace’s surgical training, they settled in Appleton in 1962. She raised their five children while being active in the Appleton hospitals’ auxiliary programs, PEO, and the Fox Cities Tennis Club. She continued her life of service, learning, and playing competitive team tennis until the age of 85 in Oro Valley, AZ.
Barb’s lifelong passion of nature was shared with her children, grandchildren, and many fourth graders as the “Original Pond Lady” at Mosquito Hill Nature Center. She was also a docent at Tohono Chul Nature Center near Oro Valley, AZ where the couple enjoyed winters for 26 years.