Romelda Mueller

My favorite mom died on Dec. 12, 2011, after a struggle with cancer.

Romelda Joy (Hamilton) Mueller, only daughter of Robert and Alice (Obee) Hamilton, was born in Lewistown on Sept. 12, 1930. Romelda, her parents and her brother Richard moved to Billings after the death of her older brother, Robert.

Romelda was a wife, a mother and a Senior High School graduate when she was 16. She and her husband of 66 years, Jack F. Mueller, raised four daughters while working together to create and run Mueller Engineering, Inc. Romelda learned to swim in Cancun in her 50s so that when she and Jack retired to Maui, she would feel safe learning how to sail her own Hobie Cat. A born gardener, Romelda earned honors for her work in creating a community garden that fed hundreds of the homeless on Maui. She was so bright and friendly that Hawaiian Kahunas made her an honorary Native Hawaiian.

Romelda and Jack traveled around the world several times on cruises and on their own. Mom always found the best part of traveling was meeting new people and learning new ways of viewing the world. After more than 26 years in Maui, Mom and Dad came back to Billings to be near family.

Romelda was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother Robert, and is survived by her younger brother, Richard Hamilton and family; her husband, Jack; daughter Linda Hamilton (John Drost) and grandchildren Lisa Hamilton (Mark Strevels), Jack (Heather) Hamilton and Jay (Jessica) Drost, with great-granddaughters Kylie and Audriana; daughter Jeanne (Randy) Brown and grandchildren Lail (Emily) Brown, with great-granddaughters Charlotte and Sylvia, and David (Sarah) Brown with great-granddaughter Samantha and a great-grandson due in April; daughter Susan A. Mueller; and daughter Nancy Mueller (Abdullah Ramhormoz) and grandchildren Soraya Ramhormoz (Brent Calhoun) and Zaal Ramhormoz.

A private family service will be held on a beach in Maui at a later date.

Memorials may be given to Mom's favorite charities: American Cancer Society, Arthritis Foundation or the Montana Rescue Mission's Women's and Family Shelter in Billings.

Due to severe allergies, the family requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Arbor Day Foundation or plant a tree in remembrance of Romelda.

Mom taught us how to be better human beings. We will love her always and forever.

Share your remembrance with others. after review you memory will be posted to this page and shared with the family;

I am very sorry for your loss. Although I only had the pleasure to visit Romelda just a few times, I came away with a lasting memory of just how great a person she was. All of you will be in our thoughts and Prayers, Randy, Maicie and All