Reverend Kathie Iris Kuhn
10/14/1947 – 9/23/2022
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me (Psalm 49:15)
Reverend Kathie Kuhn ascended into her eternal life with Jesus on September 23, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. A deeply devoted follower of her Lord and Savior, Kathie loved God above all else. She trusted His Word. She taught His Word and carried it to the nations with great joy.
A Faithful Follower, Mentor & Teacher
And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Kathie served the community of Macedonia, Ohio on the pastoral staff of Faith Fellowship Church for more than 30 years. She was a founding member of Hosanna Bible Training Center to further ministerial development in the hearts and minds of her students. Recognizing a need for greater spiritual support of Pastors and their spouses, Kathie served for more than 10 years on the faculty of Pastors of Excellence at Ashland Theological Seminary. She led more than 20 mission trips in support of pastors internationally. In her “retirement,” Kathie founded Promise River Ministries and served as a Spiritual Director, mentor and friend to pastoral leadership.
Upon news of her diagnosis with terminal cancer earlier this year, letters streamed in from around the world, an outpouring of sadness, gratitude and joy from pastors and friends whose lives Kathie touched.
“…I have heard the Lord’s voice through your words more times than I can count.”
“…God made you His vessel to get into my heart and make it all new.”
“…You have taught me how to be a woman of faith.”
“…Thank you for letting the Holy Spirit use you to bring me to deeper healing.”
“…We’re so grateful for your investment in our lives and the lives of our leaders in Nepal and India.”
A True Friend
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17)
In her journey to authenticity, Kathie became the rarest of gifts – a true friend. As she learned to accept every part of herself and her story, Kathie shared more and more of herself, and encouraged her friends to do the same. Though she was selective with her inner circle, she lavished her friends with her time, her prayers, and with meaningful gifts that touched their hearts and continue to draw them close to Jesus.
“…How proud Jesus must feel to have created such a beautiful soul.”
“…You have lived your life with such obedience and courage.”
“…Kathie, you are by far the greatest gift God gave me as a friend.”
“…You always made me feel accepted.”
“…You have been the single most inspirational person in my life.”
A Devoted Wife & Mother
Her children arise and call her blessed; and her husband also, and he praises her; “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” (Proverbs 31:28-29)
Kathie joins her beloved husband, the late Reverend John Kuhn, daughter Candi Kuhn, grandson Matthew Kuhn, and her parents Ed and Grace Boswell in Glory. She said many times recently she couldn’t wait for the party they were preparing for her, and she couldn’t wait to dance with Jesus.
She leaves behind a grieving but grateful family of one sister, seven children, seven children by marriage, 23 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, who will share fond memories and funny stories to carry on her legacy for generations to come.
Carla & Gene Barnhart of Millersburg, Ohio (Sister)
Liz & Jim Honeyford of Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada (Noel, Tyler, Laurel)
Kathy & Stan Wan of Alpharetta, Georgia (Spencer, Channing)
Bethany & Dave DeCrane of Columbus, Ohio (Grant, Daniel, Paige, Naoki)
Kel & Jim Knake of Sarasota, Florida (Jacqui, Austin)
Kristie & Dave Ulrich of Andover, Ohio (Cherie, Davey, Marshal, Rulynn, Jolynn)
Tracy & Vince Tennyson of Kingston, Oklahoma (Ella, Jack)
Bobby Jr. & Christi Bonds of Porter, Texas (Zak, Bobby III, Craig)
Children of Candi Kuhn (Joey, Maggie)
We are a family by birth, a family by marriage, a family by choice. It hasn’t been perfect, but it’s perfectly us. Mom prayed for every one of us continuously. She taught us to love Jesus, to make great fried chicken, to grow beautiful flowers, to attract songbirds, and to find shark teeth on the beach. She taught us to enjoy nature, and to enjoy stillness. She taught us to speak our truth and to work through conflict to bring repair. She taught us there’s nothing more important than family, and not to let the miles come between us. Through her own journey, Mom taught us how to walk with Jesus, to grow in authenticity, and to die with grace.
Ever the planner, Mom told us, “the best thing you can do for your family is to prepare for your own death. Make all those decisions in advance, so when you’re ready to dance with Jesus, they’re free to grieve and to love each other.” Thank you, Mom, for teaching us even now.
We will choose to remain a family, always.
May those of us blessed to have called you Teacher, Mentor, Friend, Sister and Mother, freely share the gifts you’ve given to each of us, so the Light of the World may shine brighter with every generation.
In Jesus’ precious name, and until we meet again, Amen.
Service Details
Please join us celebrating Kathie’s life on Tuesday September 27, 2022
Ferfolia Funeral Home, 356 W. Aurora Road, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
Viewing: 10:00am – 1:00pm. Service immediately following at 1:00 P.M.
Private family interment services will be celebrated at Crown Hill Cemetery.
