October 15, 1935 – January 22, 2025
Marilyn Ida Thompson Mueller, age 89, passed away of natural causes in Boerne, Texas, on January 22, 2025. She was born in Edinburg, Texas, on October 15, 1935, to Mary (Franks) Thompson and Charles Ernest Thompson. Raised in the Lower Rio Grande Valley alongside her beloved older brother, Charles, Marilyn spent much of her adult life in Kentucky before returning to Texas with her husband, David, during their retirement. They moved to Austin initially and settled in Kerrville by the late 1990s. Later, she moved to Boerne for her final years.
Marilyn grew up in Edinburg and McAllen, Texas. Her mother was a Spanish teacher, her father a lawyer and district court judge. She enjoyed summers in Saltillo, Mexico, and at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country. Active in school, church, and community, Marilyn served as drum major at Edinburg High School and graduated as salutatorian of the Class of 1954.
Music was one of Marilyn’s abiding passions. She studied piano, voice, and French horn. As an aspiring musician, she attended the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan, for horn. She went on to Baylor University, earning degrees in French horn performance (1958) and music education (1959), and serving as drum major for the marching band.
At Baylor, Marilyn met the love of her life, theology professor David Mueller. They married in July 1959, embarking together on a life of adventure and shared purpose.
Marilyn and David made their home in Louisville, Kentucky, raising their children, Charles and Mary Beth. A devoted mother and homemaker, she supported her children in all their pursuits while actively participating in Broadway Baptist Church, PEO, the Faculty Wives of Southern Seminary, and the Suzuki program at the University of Louisville. She was also an accomplished tennis player and teacher.
In retirement, Marilyn and David spent joyful summers in Ridgway, where they embraced local life enthusiastically. Always engaged wherever she lived, Marilyn sang in choirs, studied painting, hiked, supported cultural events, and even acted in musicals. She enjoyed life in the mountains and the proximity to her grandchildren and adult children was a delight.
In her 80s, living at Menger Springs in Boerne, Texas, Marilyn participated in various activities, including leading the Chime Choir and experimenting with new art forms.
Marilyn’s warmth, kindness and charm enabled her to connect easily with people wherever she went. Her personal blend of refinement and mischief was always amusing. Known for her keen intellect and dry wit, she was good company and had many loyal friends. Her love of vibrant colors was reflected in her life and art, and she always relished the beauty around her.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her devoted husband and “Schatzi” of 50 years, David L. Mueller. Her adoring brother, Charles E. Thompson Jr., passed just months after she did, in April 2025. She is survived by her children: Charles Mueller (Becky) of Ridgway, and Mary Beth Mueller (Jon Tukman) of Telluride; her grandchildren: Will Mueller (Taryn), Meredith Coulter (Jake), and Elizabeth Mueller, along with three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Marilyn’s life will be held on Monday, July 28, at 11 a.m. at Inspiration Point on Tower Road on Log Hill Mesa, outside of Ridgway. All are welcome, but please leave dogs at home. Feel free to bring a memory — or perhaps a piece of music — to share.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Ouray County Performing Arts Guild or disaster recovery in Kerrville through the San Antonio Area Foundation.
Ouray County Plaindealer • 2025
