Barbara Ann “Barb” Plaisted, 75, passed away peacefully on September 30th, 2023 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, WI after 8 years of living with Alzheimer’s. Barbara was surrounded by friends and family every hour during her last days and weeks. The outpouring of love and support during this time was immense and characteristic of the woman she was, and all the lives she touched during her lifetime.

Barbara was born on November 7th, 1947 in Madison, WI to Kenneth and Priscilla (Precourt) Plaisted. She attended New Holstein High school, graduating in 1965. Barb went on to attend Marquette University for one year and finally UW Oshkosh, receiving her teaching certificate in education. Barbara taught elementary school in Ripon, Neenah and Waterloo, WI school districts followed by a 25 year teaching career in the Madison Metropolitan School District. During these years she worked tirelessly to improve the educational outcomes and lives of countless youth through her work as an educator and her dedication to fostering literacy through the MMSD’s Reading Recovery program.

Barbara married John Joseph Mueller in 1975 in Oshkosh, WI. Together they spent their 48 years of marriage in Madison, WI raising two boys and enjoying life with extended family and friends on the shores of Lake Monona. The lake provided the centerpiece for all that Barbara loved, including the neighborhood, family playdates, backyard campouts, morning coffee and evening socials. She will be remembered fondly, in a stylish sun dress and hat, for her beautiful smile, striking blue eyes and aura of love and kindness.

Her survivors include her husband, John Mueller; sons, Mike (Charise) Mueller and Matt Mueller (Ali Yee); sisters and brothers, Patricia Plaisted (Bonnie Augusta), Donna Plaisted (Michael Maresh), Michael K Plaisted, Mary (Todd) Arnoldussen and James Plaisted; nieces and nephews, countless other friends and neighbors. She is preceded in death by her parents Kenneth Plaisted and Priscilla Cruickshank.

A celebration of life will be held at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison, WI on October 21st, 2023 from 3PM to 7PM. Those that knew Barb directly or indirectly are welcome to attend to share stories, visit with friends and family and to celebrate the person she was and the life she lived. The family is planning to make a donation in Barbara’s name to the University of Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Foundation for Madison Public Schools. If you would like to contribute to this donation please contact the family directly. There will also be an opportunity to sign up for more information regarding a contribution at the celebration of life.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257

Barbara Plaisted

November 07, 1947 - September 30, 2023

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