January 25, 1924 - June 15, 2016
Born January 25, 1924 entered into rest June 15, 2016. Else was born to Emil and Katharina Mueller in Bischofsheim, Germany. Life as a child was considered simple then, yet school at that time was taken seriously. She walked a few miles to school and had one teacher up until age 17. At that time, World War II changed her life dramatically. During World War II her first job was as a teacher in Donaueschingen, Germany and she worked with girls that were 10 to 12 years old. After only 6 months the military took over the school and changed it into a hospital. At that time, she became a medical secretary and worked from 1941 to 1945. With the end of World War II Germany was in ruin. After not hearing from her family for a year and a half, Else walked approximately 345 miles to get home through bombed territory. At that time, all transportation was on hold for German citizens. Food was hard to come by and she returned to find her hometown bombed. When she arrived many of the existing houses on the street were taken over by American soldiers. Else and her family relied on their land for survival. They lived off their garden, a few chickens, rabbits and a goat. Else said they would trade with other people for necessities because money was of no use after the war. After World War II Else became interested in music and was trained as a concert and opera singer. She attended private opera schools in Darmstadt, Frankfurt and Oberstdorf Germany. Music became one of her passions and she often spoke fondly of this time in her life. In 1951 Else got married in Geneva, Switzerland and moved to the United States in 1953. In 1967 she went through a divorce. Else endured a ten year custody battle over her three children. Throughout this time she sacrificed everything to raise and care for her family. She provided a safe, nurturing, and loving environment for her family. Else believed in the importance of an education and managed to put all of her children through college by taking a job for 16 years at Interlake School in Medical Lake, Washington. She loved the handicapped children and was a strong advocate for their proper care. During her free time, she enjoyed camping at Priest Lake, traveling, music, horses, reading, embroidery, oil painting and caring for her grandchildren. Else you did well and will be terribly missed by family and friends. During your journey through life, you had a positive impact on everyone around you. We learned to understand the importance of sticking together and helping each other. You taught us how life is unpredictable and to live in the moment. We look forward to meeting you in heaven someday. In the meantime, we will continue to teach our children and future generations your lessons. Else was preceded in death by her parents Emil & Katharina Mueller, and her brother Hans Mueller. She is survived by her brother Reinhold Mueller Liberty Lake, WA. Her children, Nancy Hershey Auburn, WA. Michael (Jennifer) Hershey Spokane, WA. Ingrid (Cary) Miller Spokane, WA and 4 grandchildren, Garrett Miller, Kaarina Miller, Andrew Miller, Aubrey Hershey, and her nephew Reinhold Jr.(Lisa) Mueller L.A. California. The family would like to thank the people who supported Else throughout her entire journey. Also, Hospice of Spokane for their loving care of Else and our family in her last hours on earth. In lieu of a funeral, Else has requested a private service with family. She asked that the family and grandchildren take a trip to her homeland of Germany and to visit the places that she has enjoyed so much. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Soldiers of America or Hospice of Spokane.
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