Avis P. Muether, 97, of Waterloo died at her winter home in Peoria, AZ, September 22, 2026.

She was born January 12, 1929, in Waterloo, daughter of Thomas M. and Caroline D. Pries Ritchie. Avis graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1947. She married Alfred W. Muether on February 4, 1951, at Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church in Waterloo; he died Nov. 15, 2006

Avis and Al owned and operated Muether Super Valu Stores for over 40 years, retiring in 1985. After retirement, she worked part-time at Random Gift House in Waterloo for many years.

Attended Grace Reformed Church, Waterloo. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and was a Girl Scout leader when her girls were young. She enjoyed playing cards, whether it was with friends or her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Uno. She and Al enjoyed wintering in Arizona over the years, and she continued to go after he passed. She and Al traveled with “the grocers” over the years. She also enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota with her family. Avis taught line dancing in both Iowa and Arizona. She would also enjoy going to estate and garage sales with friends.

Avis survived by her daughters, Barbara (James) Bronson of Glendale, AZ, Cynthia (Chris) Fenimore of Terre Haute, IN, and Debra (James) Etringer of Waterloo; six grandchildren, Jason Bronson, Joseph (Lauren) Bronson, Haley (Edward) Swartz, Logan Fenimore, Meredith (Matt) Wilson, and Janay Etringer; and five great-grandchildren: Rylan, Ehlis, Sawyer, and Emma Swartz, and Kash Bronson.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfred; one son, Anthony “Tony” Muether; four brothers, Phil, Robert “Bob”, Tom, and Richard Ritchie; and one sister, Carrie Risse.

Funeral Services: 11:00 AM, October 16, 2026 at Grace Reformed Church, 520 Maxwell St., with burial in Fairview Cemetery, both in Waterloo. Visitation for one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Bend Humane Society

Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family, (319) 233-3146