Catherine Mueller

Catherine Anne Mueller (1962 - 2025)

Of the City of Rio Rancho passed away of a heart attack on September 14, 2025

Catherine was born in Los Angeles in 1962 the daughter of Robert and Olivia Saunders. Her father preceded her in death in 2008. She is survived by her husband Kenneth (Ken) Mueller, mother Olivia Saunders, brothers Robbie and Bill Saunders, nephews Robert, Alexander, Matthew, nieces Emily and Sophie, and great-nephew Dallas Saunders.

Catherine attended California State University, Los Angeles, graduating with her degree in Outdoor Recreation Management and Chicano Studies. She later earned her professional chef certification from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

Catherine began her federal career with the National Parks Service (NPS) and found her true professional calling working a variety of positions within NPS to include Park Ranger, External Affairs Assistant, and Administrative Officer. She worked over 20 years for NPS at many of our nations treasured parks including Santa Monica Mountains, Grand Teton Park, and Chesapeake Bay. She later went on to work for the Department of the Army as an Enlistee Testing Program Manager with U.S. Military Entrance Processing Center in Los Angeles, California, a position she held for over 10 years. Catherine made her transition and went to work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District in January 2018 where she served the district as Administrative Officer for Operations Division and Workforce Management Assistant in the Workforce Management Office.

Catherine met her husband, Ken, while they were both working for the National Park Service. Both Ken and Catherine heralded from Los Angeles, California but met in West Virginia (of course they did) and were married on October 27, 2001. Ken is a recently retired Senior Program Analyst with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District.

Catherine and Ken spent their time together enjoying their families, traveling, hiking, and being pushed and pulled around by their rescue dogs. Their favorite activity was traveling together and their most loved vacation spots were Ireland, Mexico, and Austria.

Catherine was the nicest person - she would never hurt a soul. She was very caring and served as the "glue" that kept their families in line and together, harmoniously.

Funeral service and interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in East Los Angeles are to be determined (likely in mid October).