Sarah Ann Oakes Mueller

SCOTTSDALE - Sarah Ann Oakes Mueller, of Scottsdale, formerly of Paradise Valley, and long time resident of Barrington Hills, Ill., passed away on Aug. 28, 2011. She was born on Oct. 7, 1925, in Dixon, Mo., to Archie V. and M. Frances Oakes, the sixth of their nine children. Her childhood was defined by her early years on the family farm, followed by the Depression when her family moved to St. Louis, Mo. She graduated from high school while working in a munitions factory for the War effort during WWII. Her interests and talents were varied as demonstrated by the many changes (art, English, history, literature, musicology) she made to her undergraduate studies, first at Washington University in St. Louis and later at Roosevelt University in Chicago. A vital and demanding woman, she strove for success. Ultimately, she garnered a Master's Degree in Public Heath from the University of Illinois. After her marriage to Robert (Bob) Louis Mueller she embarked on a career of volunteering with many diverse organizations. She volunteered with Planned Parenthood in the Northern Illinois area, and she raised mallard ducks to be reintroduced to the wild. While living in Manila, Philippines, she helped the Holy Trinity Church of Forbes Park organize the clinic for women's health. Ann loved to read, garden, play golf, and travel worldwide with her husband, Bob. She enjoyed daily walks wherever she lived. She will be remembered as a doting grandmother, a charming conversationalist, as well as for her sharp wit, love of books, and the English language. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Bob Mueller. She is survived by her daughter, Frances Mueller; and grandson, Robert Andrew Mueller (Lucia Fabio). A memorial to celebrate her life will be held at Messinger Mortuary on Sept. 7, 2011, at 3 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.