Pansy Awilda Terwilliger Mueller was born Dec. 17, 1908 in Broken Bow, Neb. to John and Emma (Oxford) Wright. Pansy went to her eternal home in heaven on March 19, 2014, while traveling through Liberal, Kan. She was 105 years old. Pansy was the second born and last surviving child of eight. She was preceded in death by brothers, Bert, Ed, Dean, Pete and Harold and sisters, Xoreta and Opal.
As a young girl, her family moved numerous times. Sometimes only a mile and sometimes loading their wagons and moving from state to state between Nebraska, Colorado and Missouri. She always said she got her wanderlust from her father.
Pansy married Wayne Wise Terwilliger in 1936 and lived on the Nebraska ranch homestead. They raised cattle, hogs and horses. They enjoyed the close knit ranch community and made many lifelong friends. As the ranch reached the century mark, so did Pansy. She was proud to keep the ranch in the Terwilliger family for so many years. In 1956, they leased the ranch and moved to Dunning, Neb. Pansy then worked as a cook for the Dunning schools for several years. In 1970, they moved to Chehalis, Wash. Wayne died shortly after the move. In 1976, Pansy married George Mueller and they enjoyed five years together, fishing, clam digging, camping and gardening until George died in 1981.
During her 26 years in the Chehalis area Pansy made many friends, sharing her love of cooking and gift of hospitality.
She loved to travel and has been in every state except Hawaii. In 1996, she was on the move again, this time returning home to Anselmo, Neb. In 2003, with daughter, Laura and son-in-law, Bill, they became full time RV’ers.
Pansy loved the Lord. She was a true Christian, both in word and deed. She loved helping others and was always active in the church she attended.
Pansy is survived by her oldest son, Clint (Orleta) Terwilliger of Chehalis; grandchildren, Cami (Leo) Huntting, Trina (Harvey) Gardipee, Shawneta (Scott) Teigen, Tony (Becky) Terwilliger, all of Lewis County, Wash.; daughter, Laura (Bill) Miller of Anselmo, Neb., Shayne Miller, Lisa (Jeff) Berghorst, Ryan (Angie) Miller and Lana (Greg) Schnieder, all of Nebraska; grandson, Bruce Terwilliger and John Terwilliger.
As a traveler, it only seemed fitting that she passed away while traveling from Yuma, Ariz. to Nebraska. She spent many winters in Arizona with Bill and Laura.
Pansy is survived by a total of 18 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, 54 great-great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-great-grandchildren, numerous step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She shared in many five generation photos. Pansy faithfully sent birthday and Christmas gifts to every single family member for decades. What a legacy.
Pansy is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her siblings, son, Cleo Terwilliger; daughter, Ida Jane Valdez, step-daughter, Margaret (Norman) Linder; step-daughter, Genevieve (Arlie) Bartram; granddaughter, Tonya Miller, grandson, Lance Terwilliger; and six great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on March 26, 2014. A graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at Claquato Cemetery, Chehalis and a memorial service will be held at Napavine Assembly of God at 12:30 p.m. with reception to follow.
Arrangements by Miller Mortuary, Liberal, Kan., Govier Brothers Mortuary, Broken Bow, Neb. and Brown Mortuary, Chehalis, Wash.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Mortuary Service, 229 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, WA 98532. 360-748-4496.
Condolences may be offered at www.brownmortuary.com
