Dede Noll Muhler

Dede Noll Muhler

July 16, 1945 ~ December 11, 2015

A member of the California Genealogical Society since 2011, Dede Muhler was a devoted and beloved volunteer. She was a friendly presence who worked both at the front desk of our library and on the events committee. Library patrons and CGS members alike were drawn to her friendly nature, her infectious giggle and her warm, Arkansas accent. She helped many library patrons get started in their own genealogy with her outgoing charm and enthusiasm for family history. Dede brought a smile to everyone who knew her and she will be missed.

Her Legacy

Many remember Dede as “the woman on a bike.” She was an athlete who regularly rode her bike to and from CGS (and everywhere else, for that matter). She was an avid golfer, hiker, and world traveler, as well as a devoted mother, grandmother, wife and sister.

Dede was also an eager genealogist who was quick to help others. She was a lifelong learner who graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1968—the same year that she married William Muhler. Since joining the California Genealogical Society, Dede took many classes to enhance her own genealogical research. 

Early Life

Mary Lynn Noll was born on 16 July 1945, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was nicknamed “Dede” by her older sister, who was a toddler at the time. The name suited her and that’s how she was known throughout her life.

Her parents were Willis Westbrook Noll and Vera Sue McCord. Willis was born 19 September 1907 to Sherwood Isaiah Noll and Willa Westbrook; he died 14 June 1951. Vera was born 14 October 1907 to James P. McCord and Sue F. McClure; she died 13 April 1967.

Memorial service

A memorial service will be held January 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Oakland Center Spiritual Living. Additional details can be found in her obituary, which was published January 3 in the San Francisco Chronicle.

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