Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Visitation
October 16, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Grace Reformed Church
520 Maxwell St., Waterloo, IA
Funeral Service
October 16, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grace Reformed Church
520 Maxwell St., Waterloo, IA
Memorial Donations
- Cedar Bend Humane Society
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’s Super Value Stores for over 40 years, retiring in 1985. After retirement, she worked part-time at Random Gift House in Waterloo for many years.
She attended Grace Reformed Church, Waterloo. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Avis was a Girl Scout leader when her girls were young and also a den mother for her son’s troop. She enjoyed playing cards, whether it was with friends or her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 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 is 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
To all of Avis family you have our prayers and sympathy at this difficult time in life! My mother Ellen Liddle sends her sympathy as well and so sorry she won’t be able to attend!
Deepest sympathy to your family…I meant your parents years ago through Peoples Bank, they always were very kind and Avis always had a smile to share.
Our sincere sympathy to the entire family. Thoughts and prayers to you all. From an old member of Calvary – Joyce Schares (Anderson – Dick and Helen’s daughter)
My deepest sympathies for the loss of this wonderful lady. Appreciated her so much when I was growing up T Calvary EUB church so long ago. Blessings to her family.
My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of Avis. I’ve been her neighbor for 3.5 years and I’ve enjoyed her so much. The sweetest lady I’ve ever known. Beautiful inside and out. I will miss her very much. I was blessed watching her sweet family take care of her.
So, so sorry for your loss of my dear friend Avis. We met at Red Hats and just fell in love with her. I shall miss her warm smile.
I am so sorry for our loss. Avis was so special! I have the highest regard for you Barb as I met you because you brought het on Saturday food pantry. I’m so grateful as I loved to see her and get a special hug. I guess I’ll have to wait to see her in heaven where I’m sure she is! Love and hugs, Sandi
Our family (Larry, Renee and I) all send our condolences to all of the family. We have such wonderful memories of Avis. Avis and our mom were great friends so we saw her often. We had Saturday night popcorn and root beer evenings with Avis and Al and family frequently at their home. Avis was always had a smile on her face and was so kind. She loved their dogs and talked my mom into allowing me to have one. No one else would have been able to do that! She will be missed!
Avis was such a beautiful soul and a wonderful aunt. We have so many sweet memories of her and Alfred, and we will miss her.
Our hearts are broken at the loss of such a great lady and family member. Aunt Avis always was a favorite in the Ritchie family. Our condolences to Avis’ family, you are in our hearts and prayers. A donation in Avis’ name has been made to Cedar Bend Humane Society.
Dianne and Scott Ritchie