LENA GAY MUELLER

Lena Gay Mueller died peacefully Thursday, December 30, in Fredericksburg, Texas, with her husband of 62 years at her side. She had just marked her 86th birthday.

Lena was born December 26, 1935, in a small red house in Clegg, Texas, to Lowell & DeAnna Gay. She moved to San Antonio with her family in 1953 where she attended Sam Houston High School. There, Lena was active in many school organizations and graduated in 1954. Later, Lena attended Draughns Business College and secured her first permanent employment as a secretary at the Air National Guard at Kelly Air Force Base.

Lena and Melvin Levi Mueller wed in April 1959, in San Antonio. Her business acumen helped him complete college by working as a legal secretary in oil and gas law. Years later, Lena would employ this skill in property title search and survey descriptions for her husband's land surveying business. Her attention to detail assured high accuracy and efficiency for over two decades. Lena further demonstrated her many skills by assuming responsibility over the drafting of many survey plats produced by the firm.

The coupled loved fishing, especially saltwater, where Lena's prized trophies included redfish and sailfish.

Lena actively contributed to the life of her two children, Jeff & Melissa. She coached YMCA softball, was a scorekeeper and served as the secretary of the Greater Helotes Little League. She also held the position of Superintendent of Sunday School for Helotes Hills UMC.

Lena dedicated herself to service. She was a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International and served the Sigma Pi chapter as secretary, treasurer, and service project chair. This earned the chapter and herself recognition including Fourth Degree, Pallas Athena Award. In 1986, she incorporated and served as Director & Executive Secretary of the Casa Helotes Senior Citizens Center. Lena co-chaired the publicity committee and acted as recording secretary for the Helotes Festival Association.

Creativity played a big part of Lena's life. She enjoyed crafting of all sorts – but particularly painting and sewing. Her watercolor paintings were many, but she also was known to use acrylics painting galvanized planters for family, as well as beautiful faces on recycled dolls for children in orphanages in the Middle East. A skilled seamstress as well, Lena made her own gown to wear to her son's wedding. She also lovingly stitched her daughter's wedding gown. She meticulously crafted a to-scale dollhouse for her granddaughter – complete with draperies and miniature paintings on each wall.

Serving her church was also important to Lena. She loved to sing and gave her voice to the choir and acted as the group treasurer. Lena also contributed her skills to the church administrative board, financial, nominations and funding campaign committees.

She is survived by her husband Mel; son Jeffrey Mueller (Linda) of Wallis; daughter Melissa Hopkins of Ingram; brother-in-law Alan Tittle of Mission; grandchildren Mason Mueller of The Woodlands; Thomas Hopkins of Ingram; & Lucia Mueller (Pedro Diaz) of Yoakum.

The family will greet friends on Friday, January 14 in the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church from 10 to 11 A.M. with Funeral Services at 11 A.M.

Graveside services and interment will be held on Saturday, January 15th at 11 A.M. in the Mission Park North Cemetery at 20900 IH 10, San Antonio, Texas 78257

In Lena's memory, the family would like to encourage donations to Fredericksburg UMC, or the Alzheimer's Association.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home