Nellie E. Mueller

Nellie Elizabeth (Close) Mueller of Pacific, Missouri passed away June 17, 2023, at the age of 80. Nellie was born on November 5, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri to Charles H. and Vera E. Close. She graduated from Pacific High School as class valedictorian in 1960, also being the first female from the district to receive a dual scholarship to attend Ohio State University where she earned her Physical Therapy degree in 1964. She was united in marriage to James A. Mueller on February 20, 1965, at the Pacific Presbyterian Church.  

Nellie was preceded in death by both her parents, one half-brother (Brack Stanford) and three stepbrothers (Charles, Robert & Jack Close).

In addition to her husband, James, Nellie is survived by three children, Gwen Mueller (Bryan) Kelemen, of St. Cloud, Florida, and Bonnie Mueller (William) Post of Pacific, Missouri, Randy & Abigail (Scanland) Mueller of Saint Charles, Missouri and two grandchildren Wesley James and Madeline Grace. 

Nellie was a member of the Pacific Presbyterian Church and enjoyed time with organizations such as Piecemakers Quilt Club, the Missouri State Quilters Guild, Heartland Quilt Network, American Quilters Society, National Quilters Association, PEO, Rainbow Girls, Girl Scouts, Meramec Valley History & Genealogy, Pacific Cemetery Committee, Friends of the Library and was a substitute teacher for the Meramec Valley School District. Nellie was an avid quiltmaker, lecturer and teacher. She had her own home-based business, The Sewing Basket, through which she travelled and taught in Missouri and beyond. She enjoyed doing a humorous skit of "Grandma Quilter" that brought joy to many. She was inducted to the Missouri State Quilters Guild Hall of Fame in 2012. No one was a stranger, and her kindness was infectious.

Her greatest love was spending time with friends and family. Being together for birthdays, holidays and other special celebrations were her favorite times.

Visitation for Nellie Mueller will be held at Nieburg-Vitt,Thiebes Funeral Home Pacific, Missouri on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023 at the Pacific Presbyterian Church. Luncheon/refreshment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital.

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