Manville “Manny” Muller peacefully passed away on May 20, 2024, under the exceptional care of Advance Health Care and Advanced Hospice Services of Mesa, Arizona. Manny was born in Red Lodge, Montana on February 4, 1936, to Irvin Leo Muller and Anna Marguerite “Margie” Crawford Muller. He grew up on a ranch 7 miles north of Red Lodge, learning the value of hard work from an early age. Manny often expressed that he was not a “picky” eater, recalling his upbringing, “when you grow up in a poor family everything tastes good”. However, despite spending years in Arizona, he never acquired a taste for Mexican cuisine.
Manny is survived by his loving wife, Liane, and his three children: Shari (Chris) Coon of Salem, Oregon; Mike (Kathy) Muller of Stafford, Virginia (both from first marriage to Katharina Lutsch) and Brian (Bey-Mar) Muller of West Jordan, Utah, (from second marriage to Jean Powers). Additionally, he is survived by his two stepchildren with Liane: Terri McManus of Bellingham, Washington, and Greg (Michelle) McManus of Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Manny is also survived by three grandchildren: Macie Muller, Taylor McManus, and Megan McManus, as well as numerous family members and friends.
Liane played a significant role in Manny’s life, especially during his battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Despite being given three months to live, he survived for over 17 years thanks to doctors and Liane’s unwavering support. She ensured he attended all medical appointments, took medications regularly, maintained a healthy diet, and rested appropriately. Her responsibilities expanded to include eyecare over the past 12 years. The family would like to acknowledge the generosity of Sascha from Germany, who donated his stem cells as a life-saving gift.
Manny served in the Army, stationed mostly in Hawaii. Interestingly, his biggest fear during his time there was getting sunburned on the beach and being court-martialed for being unable to report. Ironically, despite being surrounded by the beautiful Hawaiian waters, he never learned to swim.
For 37 years, Manny worked at Northwest Airlines in Billings, Montana, as a Reservation Agent. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and the travel benefits provided during his working years and throughout his retirement. Manny delighted in sharing these benefits with family members, creating cherished memories on unforgettable trips and special adventures.
Known for his wonderful sense of humor, Manny loved having a good time with his family and friends. He had an innate ability to connect with people, often forging friendships or knowing someone wherever he went. Manny joined the Elks Club in Red Lodge as a young man and maintained his affiliation throughout his life, eventually becoming the Exalted Ruler for the Billings Club.
Dancing brought immense joy to Manny’s life, and he frequently danced with Liane at the Elks Club or the ballroom at Viewpoint Resort in Mesa, Arizona. While he had a preference for country music and polkas, he had a natural ability to dance to any genre. One of Manny’s proudest dance moments was teaching his granddaughter, Megan, the art of Country Swing, which was captured on video for cherished memories. Additionally, he developed a passion for theater, enjoying his granddaughter Macie’s performances. Manny also had a fondness for picking blackberries with his grandson, Taylor. On one occasion, while returning from a blackberry-picking adventure, they encountered a beehive and got stung by a couple of bees.
Manny Muller will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he positively impacted. His warm presence, laughter, and zest for life will forever be cherished and celebrated.
A memorial service will be held in Montana on a future date.
Manny was a wonderful uncle. He always remembered our birthdays with a phone call. And, he loved to remind us about the weather in Mesa compared to his home state of Montana where we reside.
Dear Liane,
I am so sorry for your loss.
It was a pleasure knowing Manny for several years and he always was so pleasant
May he rest in Peace.
Betty Kadlec
Line,
We were so sorry to hear of Manny’s passing. What a gift though to have had so many extra years for you guys to enjoy Arizona. Have thought of you often over the years and we talked about visiting AZ for a couple of weeks, but times flies.
Our deepest sympathy to you at this time. I am sure his passing is so sad, but you know now he is at peace and well.
Jeri & John Torpy
Our deepest condolences Liane. You and Manny were inseparable and you took such good care of each other. We never saw one without the other. We loved watching you dance together at the ElKs club in Billings. It was Soooo fun for my mom and Manny to get to talk about growing up together in Red Lodge. Now in heaven, they can gather all their cronies and share endless stories. We have lots of memories of our time with you two that we will treasure. We will continue our prayers for your peace and healing.
Manny was a wonderful uncle. He always remembered our birthdays with a phone call. And, he loved to remind us about the weather in Mesa compared to his home state of Montana where we reside.
Dear Liane,
I am so sorry for your loss.
It was a pleasure knowing Manny for several years and he always was so pleasant
May he rest in Peace.
Betty Kadlec
Line,
We were so sorry to hear of Manny’s passing. What a gift though to have had so many extra years for you guys to enjoy Arizona. Have thought of you often over the years and we talked about visiting AZ for a couple of weeks, but times flies.
Our deepest sympathy to you at this time. I am sure his passing is so sad, but you know now he is at peace and well.
Jeri & John Torpy
Our deepest condolences Liane. You and Manny were inseparable and you took such good care of each other. We never saw one without the other. We loved watching you dance together at the ElKs club in Billings. It was Soooo fun for my mom and Manny to get to talk about growing up together in Red Lodge. Now in heaven, they can gather all their cronies and share endless stories. We have lots of memories of our time with you two that we will treasure. We will continue our prayers for your peace and healing.