MARY KUHNS

MARY KUHNS
August 15, 1945 - November 24, 2024
Mary was born in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1945 to Audrey and Dick Kuhns. She grew up in Dearborn, MI along with older brothers Tom and Rick then went to Muskingum College in Ohio.
After graduation she spent 3 years teaching, counseling in a youth center and serving as a chaplin on Mindanao island in the Philippines as a Frontier Intern with the United Presbyterian Church. Mary had always wanted to be a minister, so she enrolled in seminary upon her return to the States and was ordained in 1975. Although she said she would never be in parish ministry, she became associate pastor of the Church of St. Andrew in Atlanta, Georgia, and served there for 14 years, discovering that she loved parish ministry, especially youth ministry. She earned a Doctorate in Ministry at Columbia Theological Seminary. From there, she moved to Louisville, Kentucky, and became Associate for Justice for Women at the Presbyterian Center.
Both in Atlanta and in Louisville, she became trained as a therapist, becoming licensed in American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and after 6 years at the Center, she went into full time counseling. She also had her credentials as a Fellow in the American Association for Pastoral Counselors. She lived 20 years in Louisville, counseling, teaching at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, supervising therapy students, being Stated Supply at Patteson Memorial Presbyterian Church and parish associate at Central Presbyterian Church, working with women and addiction.
Mary retired in 2008 to live in her RV. She traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico to be close to friends and to work at the KOA. After a stay in Tucson, she returned to Santa Fe and discovered she was more of a homebody than she thought. She got a job at Trailer Ranch RV park and lived and worked there for the next 4 years, finally moving out of her RV into a casita with her 2 dogs. In 2013, Mary moved to Pilgrim Place, in Claremont, CA. which is a continuing care community and while there, she became the Director of the Pastoral Counseling Institute, taught at the Claremont School of Theology, was parish associate at the Claremont Presbyterian Church and had a small counseling practice. Deciding she wasn't a "California girl", Mary moved back to Santa Fe in 2017, back to Trailer Ranch and into the same casita, again with 2 dogs. In 2019, after a major surgery, Mary moved into a mobile home in Trailer Ranch where she has lived out her life.
Along with her ministry and counseling commitments, Mary also knew how to have fun! Anything outdoors with her kayak, motorcycle, snowshoes, bike or RV brought out the twinkle in her eyes! And her absolute favorite was walking her dogs on any beach.
Along with her deep commitment to improving the lives of people, animals have been an integral part of her life that she shared with dogs Wags, Katy, Kody, Carly, Boots and the infamous Augie. They have each given so much to Mary's joy of life!
For those who loved her, our Thanksgiving will be an appreciation for and celebration of Mary. For her intelligence, caring and great sense of humor. For her wonderful alto singing and ukulele playing at care homes, Tunesday and Hazel's group. For her whimsical watercolor paintings. For living a life devoted to God but who never preached at people. And for all the members of First Presbyterian church where she shared her experience, pastoral care and love.
Mary peacefully passed away after a brief illness. We want to thank the Christus Hospital professionals for their excellent care and dedication to making Mary comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, Mary requested that donations be made to Faith Roots Reproductive Action, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Food Depot, Santa Fe Animal Shelter &/or the Interfaith Community Shelter.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, December 6 at 11:00.