Mueller, Jacqueline A. (nee Penton)

“Jackie” 86, of St. Louis, MO passed away peacefully in her home December 11, 2020. She was born in Glen Ellyn, Il to the late Everett and Florence Penton of St. Louis, MO.
She married the late Oliver H. Mueller of 65 years on June 4, 1955 in St. Louis, MO. Jackie is survived by two loving children Linda and Mike Clark of Bentonville, AR and Steven and Jenna Mueller of St. Louis, MO. Two grandchildren Nick and Mary Filla of Olathe, KS and Alex and Bailey Filla of Bentonville, AR. She is also survived by four Great Grandchildren Nolan and Maxwell of Olathe, KS and Ella and Olivia Filla of Bentonville, AR.
She was a loving and caring daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Jackie was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. She loved sports of all kinds but was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals Baseball and St. Louis Blues Hockey fan. She loved to play sports, pinochle, and other card games with family and very close friends, ran a small local drayage trucking company and loved to sing. She enjoyed life and loved to be around family and friends.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Louis Shriners Hospital for Children. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.

Linda and I want to thank everybody here today and everyone that helped in the last few years as mom’s health declined. Frank Proctor and his wife Nola for always being there for Jackie. They picked up mail, called with concerns, and prayed for mom; always watching over her and the house for decades. She was so connected to them, that in her will, Mr. Proctor is mentioned by name to be here today. Pia and Sharon? Ladies, there is no universe where I fulfill Jackie’s wishes to stay in her home without you. Your dedication, caring and love for our family was not only necessary but life changing for me and mom. I needed you and fought to keep you. There are no words to express my level of gratitude. Gale, you were first on our scene, and the immediate and powerful friendship between you and mom was shocking, heartfelt, and a laugh out loud joy to watch. Mike Gianino, you have some real talent, and you made it possible for me to live without regret. Thank you. Jackie defied science with the help of Dr. William Bowen. Her prognosis was 6 months to a year, and we find ourselves here, 4 years later. He fully embodied the advice he got when he graduated from medical school: it’s not important to show what you know, but how much you care. A 30-minute doctor’s visit was about one-part checkup and three parts sports. Bowen and mom’s bond was sweet and real and LONG. If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it 1000 times, if Dr Bowen’s prescription read “drink ketchup three times a day” my parents would do it. He is a guru, genius and kind man; I am lucky to have him on my team. Over the years, Rosanne Horan and Ron Kline kept mom’s affairs intact to preserve her wishes and her nest egg. There was serious financial misconduct after Ollie’s death resulting in a large money loss and a tax consequence. These two worked tirelessly for 3 years to get justice for my mother, effectively putting the toothpaste back in the tube. Without their efforts, we would not hav been able to support mom living at home. Mike and Cathy Barry have been our life-problem solvers. While Cathy answered my nursing questions, Mike is my consiglieri. He either fixed it, knew how to fix it, or he found somebody to fix it. Every time. And he’s just gettin’ started. I also reached out to Le’Ann Shotton for all things pulmonary. She delivered serious instruction with just the right humor so I could hear it while I was in a state of fear or helplessness. Faye, mom’s best friend, was there for drinks, dinner, singing, trips and all-around great times. And when the chips were down, Faye showed up, raising Jackie’s spirits, taking her side and loving her unconditionally, as best friends do. Dana West did the same for all the hospital and rehab facility shifts, “Steve, get out, go home, get a shower,” Such love and support for our family. And Dale and Cathy show up out of nowhere with love and prayers just when you need them. Cathy turned mom on to her favorite candy at their daughter’s wedding. Dana and Dale are my family, “cousins”: my mother’s mother’s sister was married to their mother’s brother, and we grew up across the street from them because Rainy called and said, “Jack, you’re buying this house across the street from us.” The entire Walsh clan, led by Big Ange and George, welcomed my parents into their large family of fun adventures. As Jenna likes to say, they are the best thing I brought to our marriage. And lastly, what do I say about Angie? Look, I know this is going to embarrass you, but you’re gonna have to suck it up. And I promise there will be no more surprise birthday parties. Angie’s devotion to all of us knows no boundaries. For example, between Jackie’s big fall #1 and big fall #2, my nephew Alex got married, in Arkansas. My mom, after missing Nick’s wedding due to Ollie’s illness, was going to that wedding come hell or highwater. Jenna and I did not know how we were going to pull this off with mom’s physical and medical needs. So, who decides to road trip with us so that Jackie has a suitemate and feels safe? Angie does. Really?!!? Fast forward to this February, I get t-boned on Hanley rd, break my neck, and can’t drive for 6 weeks. How do I get to and from my mother’s every day? Angie leaves work at the Muny to shuttle me back and forth from Maplewood to Olivette. I did not miss a day! Folks, I could go on and on here, and none of you would be surprised. She was there on mom’s last night, talking to her while she ate dinner. She even gave mom one of Big Ange’s angels. My mom loved Angie like she was her own. And Angie has loved and admired Jackie for about the last 35 years.
Jackie passed away peacefully, and according to her wishes, in her home December 11, 2020. She was Everett and Florence Penton’s sun, moon and stars, and beloved by many aunts and uncles. She loved spending time at the home of her father’s sister Mabel and her husband Ray on their farm in Bevier. She grew up at 4205 Laclede next door to her mother’s parents. This, I think, is where the loving family bond, across generations, was instilled, and why she became the matriarch of our family. She hosted and prepared every holiday meal for 50 years: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, birthdays, all of them.
She defended the people she loved with great ferocity. So, when Ollie’s Aunt Bernice and Uncle Frank became ill, they handed the trucking company over to her. She was a straight-A student and competent, but as the only woman in that industry in St. Louis, my mother was anxious. But she marched into every one of those Local Cartage Association meetings, fighting for her family’s business. She did what had to be done, that’s who she is.
She married the late Oliver H. Mueller on June 4, 1955 in St. Louis, MO. She took care of that man, and he her. Their 65-year love affair was the stuff of how-to-marriage books. They worked very hard and supported each other through thick and thin. She loved to cook, and he loved to eat. They loved dancing, Frank Sinatra, and having dinner and drinks with friends. If I had a time machine I’d hang out with Jack and Ol at the old Clubhouse in Clayton. They were part of a true crew of loyal, tightknit soldiers of fun. Work hard, play hard. To spend a weekend with Jack, Ol, Big Ed, little Ed, Mary and Coco would be the weekend of a lifetime for most of us. Next up, Faye and John Marnatti’s piano bar was the cornerstone of their social calendar. In 1987, they joined Jack and Ol on a take-your-mother-to-Hawaii trip for Fluffy’s 80th birthday. The flight to Hawaii is legendary family lore (phooey on the Mets). After most of their dinners, mom and dad would drive around looking for my car, to share a cocktail with, frankly, most of you. They loved their annual trips to New England and when Linda and I sent them on a 40th anniversary trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley. That trip prompted many romantic afternoons of champagne, cheese and strawberries. Commence nap.
Jackie loved to play sports – competitive softball at age 12. One of her teammates was the much older, track and field, double gold medal, 1936 Olympian Helen Stevens. Jackie had real talent. She also played basketball and hockey. One of Jackie’s great joys was coaching Linda’s softball teams. Linda was a chip off the old block – made Jackie burst with pride. Linda’s high school basketball games were great family nights out. Whether it was Linda’s field hockey, tennis, volleyball, softball or Steve’s football, mom was in attendance and supported us both. However, one fall day mom was skating backwards, teaching a bunch of kids, when her skate caught a leaf and she spun down breaking her leg in 7 places. She was in a cast for 8 months and was told she’d likely never walk again. But Jackie, with 2 kids, not walking wasn’t an option. That leg plagued her for 54 years.
Her tenacity, competitive nature and patriotism fostered a deep love of the Olympics and all sport, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. But she was a particularly diehard fan of Cardinals Baseball and Blues Hockey teams. They had season tickets to Cardinal and Ram’s football, baseball, and hockey. Her family owned a diner and a tavern in the same block on Vandeventer. After the school year, Jackie, her mother, and grandmother would leave the restaurant early and go to the ballgame. It sounds unbelievable, but when she was younger, she went to a Browns or Cardinals game every day all summer long. She knew and loved the game. Linda tells the story about when the family got ahold of really great seats, and Jackie wore a beautiful Cardinal red dress that Aunt Ann had made for her. She looked so stunning that the ushers thought she was there to sing the national anthem.
The cherished blues tickets, that Jerry Norber bequeathed to them, were center ice, on the glass, between the benches. This afforded my mother the opportunity to harass every opposing NHL player for years and years. She once got into a screaming match with Jeremy Roenick. She taunted this Chicago Blackhawk until he’d had enough and tried to squirt water on her. The problem was, he hit the guy in front of her who happened to be the lawyer for the St. Louis Blues. She was fearless.
Jackie and Ollie were unbelievable long-distance grandparents, making countless trips to Arkansas as the boys grew. They eagerly awaited the summer visits and having free reign with the boys, solo, in St. Louis – let the spoiling begin. When they reached college, Jackie would put together elaborate care packages. She’d go to 2 different donut shops because that’s what the boys wanted. Nothing was off the table when it came to Nick and Alex.
We all know Jackie was a strong woman and you always knew where you stood with her. If she didn’t like you, you knew it. All of you here were in her embrace. It took some of you longer than others to make the cut. My mother loved Jenna until she started dating me. NO ONE was good enough for her son. They were great barroom pals, but our romance changed things. Jackie moved the goalpost. Later on, mom apologized AND repeatedly admitted that she had been wrong about Jenna; which was extremely rare. She realized Jenna was a lot like her and loved Jenna deeply once she saw her love and devotion to family. Jenna is the unsung hero of these last 6 years. Her sacrifices have been necessary and excruciating for both of us. I will never forget what she did.
So, mom, we fought ‘em 1533 days in a row. I tell ya, you outlasted Laclede gas, Southern Commercial Bank, Anheuser-Busch, Giuseppe’s, got your cut of the class action suit against the Rams for PSLs, and became a great-grandmother 4 times. She also got to see the solar eclipse which gloriously mystified her, another Cardinal world series win, and watch the Blues win the Stanley CUP!! I thought dad was a fighter, but there’s no one tougher than you, mom. I miss you already.
When you see her next, she’ll be at the bar.
Ok folks, this might be brutal. We’re unsure of the origin of this next selection, but my terminally ill grandfather said it all the time. I was asked to recite this at his funeral, but I couldn’t make it through. Mom asked me to try again. Here it goes.
The town was full of smallpox
and yella fever too
everyone was dying
but somehow I pulled through.
Yes, I fooled ole mister graveyard,
thank the lord that I ain’t dead.
So when you see me laughing,
like you say you often do,
though you never see me worry
nor you never see me blue…
Just add up all I told ya,
and it’s sure to be mighty clear,
that I’m happy cuz I’m livin’
and I’m happy cuz I’m here.

For there isn’t another…
Another like mother.
Oh, pal how I miss you tonight.

I invite everyone to share any thoughts, stories, and/or memories of Jackie. With your help, we hope to create a Jackie community that we can all access at any time. Thanks to the Kutis family, anyone and everyone can access this site indefinitely. I’d like to read about mom for the rest of my life. And in 10 or 20 years, Jackie’s great grandchildren will be able to feel how much we all loved her.

First there are no words I could possibly say to truly THANK Steve for all he did, day in and day out, for our Mom. He fought for her every single day. He was there through it all, the good days and the bad days. I know he did everything in his power to take amazing care of Mom which is the biggest reason she lived to finally see the Blues WIN the Stanley Cup.
To Jenna I also want to THANK you for all that you did to support Steve and Mom during this crazy and unique time. You are an amazing Wife, Daughter-in-Law and Sister-in-Law. I know you prepared the big majority of Mom’s meals, and many other things that are too numerous to list and jumped in to do anything and everything needed.
There are many others I can’t thank enough for all they did to support Steve, Jenna and Mom. Our cousin Dana who jumped in and sat with Mom to give Steve a break. Thank you for having my back Cuz!! Love you!!
Faye, Mom didn’t have a sister by birth but you were a Sister to her in her eyes and heart. Thank you for always being there through the years. I remember the time you came to Bentonville with Mom to visit and Oh my Gosh did we laugh and have a wonderful time.
I know there are many others which Steve has talked about already. So from the bottom of my heart ‘THANK YOU’!!
As I sit here my mind is swirling thinking about all the emotions, I am going through. Mom was a strong, independent, loving, caring, responsible woman. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model to pattern my life after.
I remember one summer when I was very young, she told me I could go outside but I had to stay in our yard. As soon as I would go out, I would put one foot in our yard and one in the neighbor’s yard and look back at her. She would make me come in, she told me this went on one full summer.
After Dad passed in June 2011, Mom let herself get very sick and we didn’t think she was going to pull through. Steve told Mom if she would work hard everyday to get stronger and the Cardinal’s got into the World Series, he would take her to a game. He told her this in August and the Cardinals were so far out of the playoffs he never thought they would even make it as a wild card team. Mom worked very hard to get stronger and was able to walk with a walker and feel better. Well as she worked, so did the Cardinals and as we all know they made it to the 2011 World Series. He called me and told me what he told her and some how he would have to get tickets to take her to a game and asked if I wanted to go with them. Of course, I said yes, Mike and I would love to be there to share this time with her. Well in stepped Angie and she had 4 seats to the games in St Louis and she graciously offered the seats to us for Game 2. As soon as we got to the game and walked in, I asked her if she could believe she was there. She had so much fun and you know she loved her Cardinals!! It just so happened they were playing the Texas Rangers. Mike is from Texas and she loved giving him trouble about how the Cardinals were going to beat them/his team. The Cardinals lost that game but did win the 2011 World Series and she would not let him forget it.
I would make the trip up to spend time with Mom as often as I could between raising her only grandchildren and working my job. I truly enjoyed every minute I had with her. She loved my Pasta Con Broccoli and would ask me to make it for her when I was there.
During one of my trips in the last few years, I took some yarn and asked Mom to teach me how to crochet. I saw her eyes light up and she took the yarn and hook and proceeded to teach me just like she had been doing it every day. I am so thankful she was able to teach me because this past May for her birthday I was finally able to crochet a lap blanket for her and almost every time we talked, she would tell me how soft and warm it was and how beautiful it was. I have now been able to make each of my 4 grandchildren one so they will always have something I was able to make all due to Mom teaching me. Every time I pick up my yard and hook to work on a blanket for someone I think of Mom and it puts a smile on my face and happiness in my heart. Thank you, MOM!!!
She was the best Meemaw ever!!! She loved Nick and Alex unconditionally! She always made sure to ask them every 5 minutes if they were hungry! The boys still talk about that to me. She would have done anything in her power to make them happy.
Now that I am a Grammy, I can only pray that I live up to her memory as a Meemaw!
In closing, I would like to share this poem with you:
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
Mom we love you and will miss you deeply!