Sandra Kay Muller

February 6, 1945 - March 18, 2020

Sandra Kay Muller (nee Waalkes), 75, of Blackjack, passed away suddenly March 18, 2020 from complications arising from lung surgery after being hospitalized for a fall which injured her hip. Born in St. Louis she attended Riverview Gardens HS (Class of ’63) and University of Missouri-St. Louis. She was always full of life with a smile on her face and trying to put a smile on someone else’s. She was a very private person and liked to keep things close. And we mean an incredible amount of things. Her house was as full as her heart. She found as much value in the memories as the things that created those memories. She’ll be remembered for her fearlessness, always up to trying anything including riding a mini bike (not very successfully by the way) and driving a mini race car through the streets of downtown St. Louis for The Mini Grand Prix event the bank was involved in. Just a tremendous role model, demonstrating selflessness and generosity by tirelessly giving her time to others. Whether it was dressing up as the witch for City events or the Easter Bunny for church, she did what needed to be done. God & family were her first priorities with friends right up there. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for someone in need. Whether it was delivering meals to those unable to get out, picking up a grandchild in need of a ride or a child in need of bail, she was always there. Unless there was a home game…then everyone knew where to find her. She had more “relatives” than anyone at the ballpark as many of you would go out of your way to hop on the elevator just to say hi to her. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She made sure they were always taken care of and would drop everything when she was needed. She took them to many Cardinals Camp-outs, Disney World (she had more fun than the kids), got them baseball tickets, let them “drag” her along (again, she had more fun than they did) to Grandparents days at school, bought them their first set of wheels, called and sang Happy Birthday to them every year, went on trips to the zoo, and all sorts of cool, fun Grandma things. As a Mom, we couldn’t ask for anyone more supportive, cheerful, and guiding. One of our highlights with her was our trip to the Cardinals’ Spring Training where we got to know each other even better on the 36 hour drive there and back. It was a jam-packed few days but she chugged through it and kept right up with us. Being the ever-connected person she is she even arranged a backstage tour for us at Roger Dean stadium creating unforgettable memories. She was always there for last minute homework help, job and relationship advice, recipes, to just be an ear or even help with the occasional sibling disputes, and always keeping us laughing such as at the Christmas day family gathering where we finally brought up the subject of her signing all of her emails (including the really sad ones and church announcements) with LOL. She shared she was meaning Lots of Love so imagine her surprise upon learning that today LOL has an entirely different meaning to many. We will forever cherish all of those moments Mom. She lived life to the fullest and packed her day with just enough time for a glass of wine and a little sleep. She served proudly and faithfully on every board, committee, and organization she was a part of including, Bethany-Peace UCC, God’s Small World, Mid-Missouri South Conference, Riverview Gardens HS Class of ’63 Reunion, Sherwood Creek Subdivision Trustees, United Way, Citizens Police Academy (CPAAA), and multiple city, county and regional municipal organizations. Her professional career started in banking in the mid 60’s with Hamiltonian Federal Savings & Loan until her marriage in 1966 to Jim Muller and then she returned to banking in 1980 with Landmark Bank, starting as a part-time receptionist then working in retail management, commercial lending and training. She then moved on to Bank of America as their Change Management/Performance Consultant for Business and Private Lending where she retired. In her “retirement” she worked for Bethel Church as office administrator, served as Black Jack City Ward 2 Councilwoman as well as on countless municipal and community committees, and her most favorite, as usher and chief gatekeeper for the Cardinals organization at Busch Stadium’s announcer booth entrance in the Red Bird Club for 17 seasons. She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Audrey Waalkes. She is survived by her brother Charles (Randa) Waalkes; children Melissa (Muller) Maddox and Michael (Shannon) Muller; grandchildren Evan, Garrett, Alexis, Kellie, and Hunter; niece and nephews Tracy, Todd, & Kent. She was a beloved niece, cousin and friend to many. We’d also like to say a note of thanks to the doctors and nurses at DePaul Medical Center for their patience, caring, and compassion. Arrangements – www.archwaychapel.com A private family service will be held with a celebration of life to be held and details shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials please to Bethany-Peace Church, 11952 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63138 or St Louis Cardinals Care, 700 Clark Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 (cardinalscare.org) IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Shortly after announcing the new cases of COVID-19, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, and Governor Parson further restricted public gatherings of more than 10 people. Archway Memorial Chapel is keeping apprised of the current situation and is following all requirements and guidelines of health and government officials. Services will be private for the limited immediate family with the option of live streaming due to the current COVID-19 gathering restrictions. This decision has come after much consideration and consultation with multiple agencies. This isn't something that we want to do, but feel is absolutely necessary to follow these guidelines. We are proactively instituting the following policy: - For the family, as always, call us. As funeral professionals, we remain prepared to serve. It is important to know, we are still able to care for your loved one as usual, including the preparation of your loved one for viewing. As far as making arrangements, we will meet with you in any way that you are comfortable, whether it is limited-in-person, via email, video conferencing or telephone. We are still here to help you. Please know that you can still memorialize your loved one. We will work with you to find an option that meets the needs of your family, although it may look different than “normal.” - Effective March 21, 2020 we will not be able to offer any public visitations or services until the restriction guidelines from the Center for Disease Control are updated. We will only have private services for limited immediate family only. We will be able to live stream the service to our website and through our Facebook page at the agreement of the family. - We will not be accepting floral deliveries at the funeral home. However, they may be sent directly to the family upon their approval. Please understand that this decision is not an easy decision to make as we understand that the grieving process is very personal and very hard. We encourage the community members to reach out to the family via phone calls, emails, social media, etc. and support them in that manner. If you are part of the limited immediate family that will be attending a service, please adhere to the following suggestions to protect all involved: - Please practice social distancing of staying 6 feet or more away from another individual at all times. - If you are sick or not feeling well, have a persistent cough or sneeze, a fever, other health issues, or recent travel out of the state, please do not attend. While this is good advice always, it is especially important during this time of heightened concern. - Those over 70 years of age are at a greater risk. You can send your condolences in the mail or through our website (if you have that capability) and we will forward it to them. The family will understand. - If, while at a funeral, you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, be sure to cover your nose and mouth, if possible, move away from other people and be sure to wash and sanitize your hands right away. - Avoid, hugging, kissing, and shaking hands. While we know this is difficult to do at a service, everyone will understand. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We will remain diligent in doing our part to stop the spread of this virus.