Obituary of Barbara A. Muller
Barbara Ann Muller, 67, of South Plainfield, NJ, passed away on August 25, 2024, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Somerset in Somerville after a brief but courageous battle. Born in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Radcliffe and Barbara (Schmidt) Ferguson, Barbara's journey through life took her from Linden, where she grew up and graduated from Linden High School in 1975. She lived the majority of her life in South Plainfield after graduating from Berkley College.
Barbara was a woman of strength and service, proudly serving her country in the United States National Guard, where she was honorably discharged in 1982. Her dedication to community and fellowship was evident in her involvement with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Since her initiation on February 3, 2000, she poured her heart into the organization, serving as Exalted Ruler of South Plainfield BPOE #2298 in 2009. Her leadership continued as she became Vice President to the Central District for the Fraternal Year 2012-2013, Officer of the Year in 2013, and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Central District in 2021-2022. Most recently, she found joy and purpose in her role as the New Jersey State Chair for the Hoop Shoot Committee.
Barbara’s love for life was as vibrant as the flowers she nurtured in her garden. She found peace in the outdoors, joy in travel, and comfort in her cherished collections of Yankee Candles. Her hands were rarely still, whether they were creating beautiful crocheted pieces or soaking in the warmth of the sun. But what truly defined Barbara was her ability to find happiness in every moment, her infectious laugh that could brighten anyone’s day, and her unwavering love for those around her. She embraced life with a spirit that will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, in 2023. She leaves behind a legacy of love and family, including her daughters Jennifer Bird and her husband Larry of Chesterfield, NJ, and Kimberly Hoff and her husband Thomas of South Plainfield, NJ. Her three grandchildren, Lindsey, Lauren, and Ryan, and great-granddaughter Olivia will carry forward her memory, as will her grand-dogs, Bailey and Frank. Barbara’s six siblings—Clifford Ferguson of Toms River, NJ, Lynda Guarneri and her husband Gino of Keansburg, NJ, Deborah Fehring and her wife Robin of Lewes, DE, John Ferguson and his wife Lorena of Sunrise, FL, Dawn Peters of Hallwood, VA, and Kimberly Saylor of Goldsboro, NC—will forever hold her close in their hearts. Her dear friends, affectionately known as “The Fab 5,” will treasure the laughter, love, and countless memories they shared together.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at South Plainfield Funeral Home, 2456 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080. At 6:15 p.m., the South Plainfield Elks #2298, along with local and state officers, will conduct a heartfelt ceremony honoring Barbara's time with the organization, followed by Military Honors to conclude the visitation. At the family's request, cremation services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Barbara’s name to a “South Plainfield Elks Youth Activities Committee”. (Send checks to BPOE 2298, 1254 New Market Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080.)
At the conclusion of Thursday's services for Barbara, the family wishes to extend an invitation to continue celebrating her life at the South Plainfield Elks #2298, 1254 New Market Avenue, South Plainfield.