Carol Mueller

Carol Sue Mueller, 72, of Topeka, passed away early Sunday morning on February 17, 2008 at the Midland Hospice Center of colon cancer.

Carol was born November 11, 1935 in Wichita, as the only child of Karl and Bernice (Burney) Miller. She graduated from Wichita East High School (1953) and Kansas State University (1957) with a BS degree in Elementary Education. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and also went on to teach fourth grade in Kansas City, Kansas.

In 1957, she met Dr. Arnold Mueller in Wichita, and was married in 1958. She devoted her life to raising her children and volunteering in the community. They lived in Texas, California and Michigan, before settling in Topeka in 1963. She and Arnold celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on February 15, 2008, just a few days before her death.

Carol was a very loving and caring person, and dedicated herself to her family, church, and to numerous charitable organizations. She served as President of The Topeka Junior League in 1976, and helped initiate the Meals on Wheels program that today serves thousands of meals to the homes of those in need. She was President of the Ronald McDonald House in Topeka and lead fundraising activities to provide food and shelter for family members of children with cancer. Additionally, she traveled across the U.S. as a volunteer speaker for the National Marrow Donor Program in an effort to educate and encourage donor participation. She also served as President of the Shawnee County Medical Society Alliance.

Carol enjoyed traveling to Estes Park, CO. and spending time with friends and family while hiking through the Rocky Mountain National Park. She also enjoyed visiting Sanibel Island, FL. during the winter months.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and daughter Lisa, who died in 1993 at the age of 27 of Leukemia.

Carol is survived by her husband Arnold, her son Steve Mueller and his wife Valerie of Leawood, her daughter Lori George and her husband Jerry of Overland Park, and five grandchildren. She is also survived by an uncle, Lloyd Bump of Wichita, and a cousin, Phil Bump and wife Emmy of Wichita.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 21, at First Lutheran Church , 1234 SW Fairlawn. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Carol will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and visitation will be from 6-8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, Kansas, 66604 or to the Ronald McDonald House, 825 SW Buchanan, Topeka, Kansas 66606.