Olive M. Kuhns, 86, professor emerita of nursing at Eastern Mennonite University, died Apr. 22, 2010 at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community where she was a resident.
Mrs. Kuhns joined the EMU nursing department faculty in 1970 and taught there until her retirement in 1986. Her specialty was maternal and child care nursing.
“Olive was an advocate for children. Her interactions with children served as a role model for students in learning how to work with vulnerable, sick children,” said Dr. Beryl H. Brubaker, a nursing colleague of Kuhns during her years at EMU.
Kuhns received a BA in natural science from Goshen (Ind.) College after earning a diploma from Grand View Hospital School of Nursing in Sellersville, Pa. She received an MS degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania.
On Aug. 27, 1949, she married James W. Kuhns, who proceeded her in death on Mar. 31, 2009.
Surviving are two daughters, Jean Elain Rissler of Harrisonburg and Evelyn Mae Rankin of Middleboro, Mass.; one son, Philip Laurence Kuhns of Tallahassee, Fla; one brother, R. Wayne Clemens of Souderton, Pa.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter Genet Marie Orebaugh; a sister, Mildred L. Yoder; and a brother, Edgar M. Clemens.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Olive Kuhns will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Park View Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, where she was a member.
The body was cremated and the ashes interred at Weavers Mennonite Church cemetery in a private service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg VA 22820 or to Mennonite Central Committee, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501.