Lois May Muller

It is with heartfelt gratitude and sorrow that her daughters announce the passing of their beloved mother, Lois May (Terwilliger) Muller of White Oaks Senior Living, Lawton MI, formerly of Gobles and Paw Paw, MI. At the age of 100 after a brief illness, Lois passed peacefully on September 2, 2026, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI. A woman of strength, resilience, courage, compassion, devotion and beauty, she reached the rare milestone of a century, living a life well-lived and well-loved. Lois was born in Battle Creek, MI on January 5, 1926, the daughter of John and Ula (Hill) Terwilliger.

Born into humble beginnings, Lois spent much of her childhood navigating the challenges of the great depression. Following the early passing of her father, she, her sister Naomi and their mother relocated to her grandparents’ farm. Though there were lean times the family never lacked for what truly mattered. Lois frequently shared fond memories of life on the farm, which fostered her deep lifelong devotion to her mother and grandmother. The family later moved to South Haven after her mother remarried Eugene Ingraham, where Lois completed her high school education. After high school she then pursued her passion by attending cosmetology school in Grand Rapids MI. After earning her cosmetology license, Lois returned to South Haven to begin her career as a hairstylist at Jack’s Beauty Salon.

Lois’ lifelong love story began on a double date where she caught the eye of Victor “Vic” John Muller Jr. of Paw Paw. Though she was not HIS date that evening, Vic asked her for permission to call her, sparking a beautiful 50-year romance and partnership. The couple married on August 26, 1951, in South Haven sharing a special double wedding with Lois’ sister Naomi and Vic’s close friend.

Excited to build a life together the newlyweds settled in Paw Paw, where Lois worked alongside Vic as his administrative assistant, helping him to establish and build his independent electrical business. The couple shared a passion for home renovation. Their first purchased home, a modest one-bedroom slab house was completely transformed by their own hands into a three-bedroom home with a finished basement. Over the years they went on to remodel two more homes and design and build a new one from the ground up, always doing much of the work themselves. Lois was deeply involved in every step of the process she especially enjoyed utilizing her innate creativity and love for interior design to make every house a home.

Lois was devoted to her family, a proud and nurturing mother to her three daughters. She created lasting memories by hosting beautiful holiday dinners, planning magical birthday celebrations and carefully planning the next unforgettable family vacation. When her daughters transitioned into adulthood Lois remained the true anchor of the family, always available to offer guidance and only ever a phone call away. Her heart expanded even further as a grandmother she adored her grandchildren and cherished her time spent with them. For Lois there was no better place to be than at a family gathering or outing finding joy surrounded by those she loved most.

Throughout her rich and active life, Lois pursued a wide variety of passions. Alongside her husband she was a dedicated member of both the National Hikers and Campers Association and the Paw Paw B.P.O. of Elks. Dance was a lifelong joy for Lois; from her early days performing tap and classical ballet, enjoying ballroom dancing as an adult and at the age of ninety she could be found attending line dancing sessions at the Paw Paw Senior Center. Lois was also an accomplished swimmer who spent her teenage years in the waters of Lake Michigan, where she once courageously rescued an individual from drowning, a testament to her lifelong spirit of watching over others. At home, she found joy in cooking and baking, always searching for new recipes, mastering card and board games and settling down with a good mystery book.

Lois is preceded in passing by loving her husband, Victor John Muller Jr.; daughter Cathy Gray; grandchild Leah Huyser, who passed unexpectedly at the age of 13; Parents John and Ula Terwilliger; step-father Eugene Imgraham; Sister Naomi Hogmire; son-in-law Ron Burza; and extended family.

Lois is survived by; daughters Eugenia Muller, Shelley Burza and Andrea (Mark) Huyser; grandchildren Caleb Huyser, Christopher (Dana) Burza, Tracy Orsula and Pam Smith; brother-in-law Charlie Gray; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; several friends; and a special mention to Wilma Burza, and her neighbors, Mike and Dena Modert.

Lois faced adversity with strength and courage, persevering through challenging times with an unwavering sense of hope. She found true happiness in the little moments of each day. She will be remembered always through her signature smile and warm hugs she gave so freely.

Mom, your light still shines bright, strong and true, glowing within our hearts. We will miss you Mom and forever remember you, celebrate you and honor your lasting legacy.

There will be a graveside service held Wednesday, September 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cuddeback Cemetery, Paw Paw. Memorial donations may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo MI 49009.