Delores Jean Mueller

D

Delores Jean Mueller, 91, died on December 17, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.

Jean was born on May 20, 1933, in Wagner, South Dakota, to William (Bill) McCabe and Emma LaBarge McCabe, and spent her childhood in Lake Andes, South Dakota before graduating as a Registered Nurse from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Yankton, SD.

In 1955, she married Robert (Bob) Mueller in Lake Andes, and they began their life together in Huron, SD where Bob worked for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Their journey took them to Page, Arizona, and eventually to Coulee Dam, Washington in 1967 where they would raise their family and live for the next 50 years.

A devoted mother to six children, Jean poured her heart into caring for her community. She was an active member of St. Henry's Catholic Church and played a quiet yet impactful role in supporting Coulee Community Hospital. Her thoughtful advocacy earned her admiration, respect, and love from hospital board members and staff alike.

Jean had an active social life, and deeply treasured her friendships in the Coulee community. Summers were spent at Spring Canyon with her family, creating memories full of sunshine and laughter. She was a constant presence at her children's sporting events, cheering them on with pride. Later, when three of her grandchildren played basketball in Wilbur, Jean was in the stands for nearly every game over eight seasons, thanks to friends Clay and Shannon Hearne.

In her later years, Jean lived independently at Moran Vista Senior Living in Spokane after Bob's passing in 2018. She participated in resident councils, bus outings, and (her favorite) happy hour! With dear friend Helen, Jean cheered for the Zags, Cougars, Mariners. Pat was her first neighbor at Moran and she kept Jean supplied with goodies. The staff at Moran Vista held a special place in her heart, and she and her family deeply appreciated their care and kindness.

Jean is survived by her sister, Lois Donovan of Roseville, CA; five children: Cathy (Tom) Johnson of Wilbur, WA, daughter-in-law Laurie (Roy) Johnson of Post Falls, ID, Martin (Leeann) of Olympia, WA, Mary (Lon) Streib of Apple Valley, CA, Michael (Cindy) of Bellevue, WA, and Joseph of Wilbur, WA; her 14 grandchildren: Brian (Nadine) Johnson, Patrick (Bridget) Johnson, Michael (Leah) Johnson, Matthew (Breanna) Mueller, Steven Mueller and fiancé Donia, Todd (Brandi) Mattson, Elizabeth (Jayden) Candelaria, Bobby (Briana) Mueller, Marta (Addison) Attar, Cate Mueller and fiancé Dan, Alex (Kathy) Mueller, Max Mueller, Jake (Samantha) Mueller, and Craig Mueller; and 10 great-grandchildren: Emma and Zaki Johnson, Nora and Anne Johnson, Isla and Miles Johnson, Callen Nelson Mueller, Andrew Mattson, and Camryn and Oakley Candelaria.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her son, Rob; her parents; and two sisters.

Jean will be remembered for her love of family, her warm and inquisitive nature, and her impeccable sense of style - always adorned with matching earrings, necklace, and bracelet. Her Catholic faith was a mainstay in her life, and when she couldn't attend Mass, she participated in services provided at Moran by Fr. Luke Tomson and deacons from St. Peter's.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Grand Coulee, WA.

Jean's family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Moran Vista and Hospice of Spokane, who provided comfort and care during Jean's final days. In honor of Jean's life, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S Arthur, Spokane, WA 99202.

Jean's legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.