It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of DeAne Urban, who died peacefully at 12:35 PM on Thursday, September 14, 2023, to the tranquil strings of "Be Still My Soul." Born on November 7, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Anton and Dorothy Mueller, DeAne was 81 years young and lived in Palm City, Florida at the time of her passing. She is preceded in death by her brother Don and her parents. She leaves behind her loving husband Bob, her devoted son Jesse, her cherished daughter Regina, and her granddaughter Zula and grandson Anton.  She is also dearly missed by her faithful canine companion, Moby.

While attending Loma Linda University for her masters nursing degree, her enthusiasm for life led her on a humanitarian mission to the jungles of Mexico. She survived a harrowing moment of nearly being left behind on a treacherous mountain pass after sliding off her horse. The allure of the sea called to her as well, where she scuba dove in Hawaii, frightened but then mesmerized by the haunting sounds of humpback whales.

Setting off on her unique path, she and a friend traveled across the country in an old MG sports car, holding the trunk down as they went.  Moving between California's Venice Beach and Colorado, DeAne was a woman of action and resolve; whether it was convincing a school superintendent to allow a new program in California for troubled youth, partnering with Bob to construct their cabin in Steamboat Springs, or fighting relentlessly for the best educational opportunities for her children.

Becoming a mother breathed new life into DeAne's nurturing spirit. Guided by the prayers of strangers and the advice from Dr. Raymond Moore and his book "Better Late Than Early," she often chose to homeschool her children, Jesse and Regina, encouraging their individual paths. She instilled in them the values of empathy and altruism, taking them to visit nursing home residents who had been visited the least and inspiring Regina to volunteer. DeAne was more than just a caring mother; she was a cornerstone in their lives—always supportive, always encouraging, and endlessly loving.

Her compassion extended into her professional life as well. Working with the Veterans Administration, she helped those struggling with addictions stemming from the Vietnam War. She also combined her love for horses and counseling skills to establish Steamboat Equitans, focusing on equestrian-assisted therapy for disabled children and adults. Her own horse, Meesha, even served as a bridesmaid at her wedding in Steamboat Springs. Never fully tamed, Meesha threw DeAne off multiple times, which may have contributed to her later back issues.

In her later years, despite more limited mobility, DeAne remained a fierce advocate for causes she deeply cared about. She passionately fought for the protection of wild horses, wolves, and other vulnerable species that similarly embodied indominable spirit.  She also took up painting, particularly watercolors, a creative spark she inherited from her father, Anton Mueller, an avid oil painter. Ever being independently minded and free spirited, she battled against the fluoridation of water in Palm City and won. She even designed and oversaw the construction of a family cabin in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, drawn to the quirky town of Franklin for its gem and mineral resources reminiscent of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the young family had fond memories of rock hunting.

DeAne's unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ helped guide and shape her life to the end, and offers hope beyond these earthly confines.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the "All About Horses Rescue & Sanctuary":

Founder: Ashley Stahl
3233 Ceder hill Dr
San Angelo, TX 76904

325-716-9121

A.stahl92@yahoo.com

Zelle: 325.716.9121
Venmo: @astah192
Pay pay: @ashleystahl92

DeAne will be greatly missed but forever alive in the memories and hearts of her family, friends and Heavenly Father.