Rita Ann (Linskey) Mueller, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1,2025, at the age of 85.

Born on July 28, 1939, in Chicago, IL, to Martin and Betty Linskey, Rita grew up in Oak Park, IL. She graduated from the Academy of the Resurrection High School in Rye, NY, in 1957. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Library Science from Manhattanville College and later a Master of Education from Cleveland State University.

Rita married Arthur Mueller and together they raised their family in Manhattan, NY, Shaker Heights, OH, Wheaton, IL, and Brighton, NY. As her children grew up, Rita pursued a career as an educator in Ohio, New York, and California and enriched the lives of many children.

Rita was a devoted mother to Peter, Timothy, Andrew, Moira and Kevin. She is also survived by grandchildren, loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and her six beloved siblings.

Rita will be forever remembered for her laughter, compassion for others, intellectual curiosity, and love for art and cooking. She was a religious person who radiated a unique joy for life that positively impacted everyone around her. Her kindness, quest for social justice and environmental stewardship will be carried forward for generations to come.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church in Woodland, CA with a celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people contribute hours of service to helping those in need.