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Ruth Kuehn Olsen, accomplished educator

June 20, 2018

Ruth Kuehn Olsen, 90, of Lewes passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at The Moorings at Lewes. She was born April 30, 1928, in Centerville, S.D., daughter of the late Rev. Henry H. and Mary (Hennig) Kuehn.

Mrs. Olsen was a graduate of Morse Business College in Hartford, Conn. St. John's Lutheran College in Winfield, Kan., and Paterson State College in Wayne, N.J. Mrs. Olsen was awarded the Certified Professional Secretary Certificate in 1954, and later served on the National Education Committee of the National Secretaries Association.

On Aug. 20, 1959, she married Thomas Olsen. They lived in Allendale, N.J., for 50 years where they raised their four children. During this time Mrs. Olsen earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and she started the Early Learning Center. Under Mrs. Olsen's direction, the school grew, serving over 125 students. Mrs. Olsen was director of the preschool for over 40 years. The school continues to thrive today.

As a faithful Christian, Mrs. Olsen was involved with the Lutheran Walther League where she served as a president, Zone V president, and District Committee chairman. Later, her preschool students said prayers before snacks and were taught Christmas and Easter messages. Along with her husband, Mrs. Olsen began the Rev. Henry H. Kuehn Ministerial Assistance Endowment Fund which presents awards to Concordia Theological Seminary Students that receive their initial call to serve in the South Dakota District.

Mrs. Olsen was interested in politics and investment strategies. She was also a bridge player, world traveler, and she enjoyed collecting soda tabs for the benefit of Ronald McDonald House.

Mrs. Olsen's Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 30, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mrs. Olsen's memory be sent to the Rev. H.H. Kuehn Ministerial Assistance Fund at Concordia Theological Seminary, 6600 N Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46825.

Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

Please visit Mrs. Olsen's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

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