Mary Muller

Mary Muller (Larsen), age 89, of Arthur, passed away peacefully in her family's ranch home, surrounded by family, on July 3, 2026.

Mary was born on January 16, 1937, in Haxtun, Colorado, to Eddie and Nell (Newbanks) Larsen. She lived in Wages, Colorado, and, as a young girl, worked in the family-owned general store and post office, an experience that shaped her lifelong work ethic, kindness, and sense of community. The family moved to Arthur, Nebraska, and she graduated from Arthur County High School with the class of 1954. She carried deep pride in her hometown and the people who shaped her life there.

After graduating from high school and getting married to Frenchie Clapp, Mary began a new chapter in Anaheim, California. After two years, she and her family moved to San Jose, California. Throughout her forty-eight years in California, Mary raised six children (four girls and two boys); she was the rock of her family. Mary worked tirelessly and was devoted to being a homemaker to her six children; it was her profession. She also worked at a bank and a deli before retiring.

Mary's children and grandchildren have so many cherished memories of holiday celebrations, barbeques, camping, boating, and playing games together (Yahtzee and Tripoley are family favorites). Her love of ice cream and cookies with her morning coffee (with her second cup) was one of the small, sweet rituals that brightened her days and reflected the simple joys she carried through life. Mary also enjoyed league bowling and cruising to the beach in her 1965 Cadillac (inherited from her mom) or the family's conversion van.

For many years, the family traveled (by station wagon or van) to Nebraska every summer to visit the family. In 2005, Mary decided to return to Arthur, Nebraska, to be closer to her siblings and the family ranch where she grew up. She loved the small-town lifestyle. The Senior meal in Arthur was always something to look forward to, the meal and togetherness with her siblings. She also enjoyed making trips to town (Ogallala) to get her hair and nails done! Spending time working in the yard, reading and participating in book club, completing crossword puzzles, assisting the Hospitality Committee, and staying connected with family and friends on Facebook were the simple joys that shaped Mary's quiet lifestyle in the Sandhills. She loved the peace of the open land, the comfort of familiar routines, and the steady presence of the people she cared about. These everyday pleasures brought her happiness and grounded her in the place she called home.

When Mary was in good health, she found joy and connection in the fellowship at Arthur Baptist Church. She treasured the friendships, the shared meals, and the sense of community that came with being part of the church family. Her faith was quiet but steady.

Mary is survived by her children, Blane Clapp, Nita Hoffman-Harris (Charlie), Lynne Sandoval (Mike), Janell Sutherland (Clint), and Jeffrey Muller, who will forever carry her love in their hearts. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, with a 30th expected in August. Survivors also include her sisters, Joan Hines of Boulder City, Nevada, and Emma Robertson of Ogallala; and sisters-in-law Joan Larsen, Lydia Larsen, and Marlene Larsen.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; "the love of her life," Jan Muller; her daughter, Carol Clapp; grandsons Jessie Fajardo and Jared Sandoval; son-in-law David Hoffman; daughter-in-law Marie Clapp; and siblings DeLoris Dancer, Bruce Larsen, Gwen Larsen, Spencer Larsen, and Martin Larsen.

Her presence was a gift, and her memory will remain a blessing.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Arthur Baptist Church, with Pastor Blake Wilkes officiating. Interment will follow at the Arthur Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

A memorial has been established in Mary's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.