Statler Family Obituaries
Mueller, Lorna Ruth (nee Edwards)
Lorna Ruth Mueller, 69, died Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, in Cape Girardeau.
Lorna was born July 27, 1941, in Fredericktown, Mo., in a house built by her father. She was the daughter of Ralph W. Edwards and Gladys Bollinger Edwards, who preceded her in death.
She was a loving and caring mother, wife, grandmother and teacher. For 27 years she was a dedicated and compassionate teacher in the Cape Girardeau School District. She was a special educator and fourth-grade teacher at Washington and Blanchard schools. Her dedication and compassion toward each child showed. She was active in PTA, student council, drug team and Dare choir at Washington. Her "Little House on the Prairie" meal and program were extremely popular. Children tasted squirrel, rattlesnake and deer meat for the first time in their lives. Lorna always wanted her children to see and feel history.
One of her most proud accomplishments was starting the field trip to Jefferson City, Mo., to see the state Capitol and Governor's Mansion to see government in action. The walking tour of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., showed the children where this state began. Lorna loved history and telling and showing them history. Her Pippi Longstocking outfit set the standard. Her guidance was felt by a number of student teachers during her career. One cannot forget those big hats she wore to Washington play day. During the summer Lorna would help with the Young Author Camp and writing workshops.
She enjoyed meeting and teaching students from the other parochial and public schools in Cape Girardeau. Lorna was the teacher of the year for Sam's Club. In her retirement years she enjoyed former students coming up to her asking her if she remembered them. Former students who introduced her to their families made her very proud to be a teacher.
First Presbyterian Church played a major role in her life. She was active in all aspects. She was a vacation Bible school teacher, on the board of the preschool, deacon and elder. She helped with the Christmas pageant, property and fellowship committees. She served for years as a youth leader taking the young adults to Montreat. She served as the clerk of the session and on the pastor church committee. Lorna served on the Interim Pastor Committee of the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery.
Her love for her children and grandkids was unstoppable. One could not measure the love for the children or grandchildren and she would show you pictures in a minute. She was involved as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She was involved in her children's PTA and loved watching their involvement in band and sports. She also enjoyed going on picnics, sledding and traveling with the kids. Lorna enjoyed the grandkids and their involvement in their school activities. Being present at the birth of Abigail brought so much happiness to her life.
Lorna was not known for her athletic ability but she enjoyed fishing, skeet shooting and rafting the Colorado River, where she saved a woman's life. She enjoyed Castor River and nature. To the surprise of many was Lorna's bowling ability. Lorna is in the National Bowling Hall of Fame for her ability to make splits. Her bowling handicap made her popular for the summer ladies league.
Traveling was something Lorna loved to do. Traveling always meant history for the kids and grandkids. She enjoyed Holmes County, Ohio, where she and her niece, Holly, were featured on the "Good Morning Cleveland" television show at an Amish farm. Lorna still enjoyed traveling even though she had a run-in with famed "Minnesota Fats" and walking away with that "school teacher look and voice." She was a member of the Mound City National Cemetery Association.
After her retirement from teaching she became involved with Mueller Insurance business. She became an area volunteer coordinator for Heifer International. She and her husband Tom made several speaking engagements in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.
Lorna had a knack for flair and always sparkled. She enjoyed shopping and antiquing. She loved helping people. Her personality was radiant. She enjoyed making people laugh and her heart was as big as all of the outdoors.
She is survived by her husband Thomas Mueller of Cape Girardeau and daughter Melanie and her husband Gary Garbs of Florissant, Mo.; a son Brian Hutson and Beth Raden of O'Fallon, Mo., grandchildren Chelsea Garbs and Lucas Garbs of Florissant and Abigail Hutson, Allison and Andrew Raden of O'Fallon; and a sister, Jane (Bud) Harbin of Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bill Vincent officiating.
Entombment will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau.
Memorial contributions may be given to First Presbyterian Church, Heifer International, Southeast Hospital Meals on Wheel, FISH Food Pantry or Charity of Choice.
Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Printed in the Monday, December 13, 2010 edition of the Southeast Missourian newspaper.
©2010 by David Statler of StatlerWeb
Last Updated: December 13, 2010