Harriet “Christine” Kuhn

Harriet “Christine” Jacobs Kuhn, (Kristin to her family) died August 6, 2017 in Lawrence, KS from complications of Parkinson’s. She was born in Mississippi in 1940. Kristin grew up in Shelby and reigned as the Mississippi Delta’s 1955-56 Cotton Boll Homecoming Queen. In high school she was a cheerleader, as well as editor of the school paper and graduated with honors. The local newspaper described her as “Beauty and brains combined in a petite bundle of versatile personality”. She went on to attend Mississippi Southern College where she danced as a Dixie Darling and joined Chi Omega Sorority. In August 1959, she married William Edgar and they moved to Pensacola, FL. Tragically he died 14 mo later in a car accident.

Chris then relocated to New Orleans and lived with her maternal aunt and uncle and three cousins, Ann, Jimmy and Harriet Blanchard in the Garden District. While in New Orleans she attended Newcomb College, then worked as a commercial bank teller at 1st NBC. She met Lloyd Kuhn, an engineering graduate of Tulane, through mutual friends and they married May 5, 1962. They lived in Metairie, LA where they raised two daughters and she volunteered in the schools, library board, political campaigns and at the public television station. As the girls grew older, she co-managed a dental office. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina damaged their home and Chris and Lloyd amicably separated and she went to live near their younger daughter, Karen, in Lawrence, KS.

The South was deeply ingrained in Chris’ heart, as was her Scottish, Irish, Norwegian and Native American ancestry. She enjoyed being with those she loved, playing bridge, playing cards with all the grandkids, reading, spending time at the beach and shell collecting. She had a great appreciation for all kinds of art and collected Native American Indian baskets, pottery and other artwork.

Preceded in death by her first husband William Edgar, she is survived by her husband Lloyd Kuhn; daughters Carla Kuhn Robertson and husband Bart of Austin, TX and Karen Kuhn Ely and husband Keith of Lawrence, KS; and 4 grandchildren that she adored: Joshua and Matthew Robertson of Austin, TX, and John and Andrew Ely of Lawrence, KS.

Chris’ request was to be cremated and a celebration of life will be held in Lawrence and New Orleans in the future. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in her name to the New Orleans Museum of Art, and may be sent in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

12 Condolences

  1. Christine Hurd on August 11, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    Karen and Carla, I am so sad to learn of your Mom’s passing. Such fond memories of all of my times with your whole family. I wish you peace and am sending my love to your families.



  2. Mark and Paula Martincic' on August 11, 2017 at 8:21 pm

    Paula and I will keep you and your whole family in our prayers.



  3. Theresa Huffman on August 11, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    Carla and Karen, all my love.



  4. Alan Palencia on August 12, 2017 at 11:19 am

    Carla and Karen, my prayers are with you. It is hard to believe how much time has passed. I still remember the first time we met. It was very cold and the two of you were across the street. I met your mother that day. She was a very sweet person to an obnoxious kid like me! LOL She was always like that. I will remember her for the rest of my days but I look forward to seeing her again! Love ya!!!
    Alan Palencia



  5. Ward Reaves on August 12, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    Karen and Carla and family, I share your sadness in her passing , but
    will carry the memory of a sweet lady
    always.
    Ward Reaves



  6. Charles Thornton on August 12, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    Karen and Carla, your mom was a sweetheart and made a lasting impact on me along with your father. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your sweet mother.
    Charles Thornton



  7. Ann Blanchard on August 13, 2017 at 7:52 am

    Carla and Karen I am so very sorry for your loss but am so thankful that Kristin has been made whole and is with the Lord.



  8. Michelle Mireille Modinger Davis on August 13, 2017 at 9:30 am

    Karen and Carla, I send my most heartfelt condolences for your loss. I have fond memories of spending time at your home as a child at family events. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
    Michelle Modinger Davis



  9. Mireya Cottone-Modinger on August 14, 2017 at 10:44 am

    Sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your mother well and liked very much. My prayers are with you.



  10. Gail Palencia Kaliszeski on August 23, 2017 at 8:42 am

    Carla and Karen, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Reading her obit, confirms what an amazing and vibrant woman she was. I will always have fond memories of her.



  11. Jackie and Andrew Fentiman on September 6, 2017 at 10:13 am

    Carla, Karen and families. Andrew and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. It was a pleasure to have known your dear Mom, and her spirit and wonderful qualities live on in the 2 daughters that she so lovingly raised.

    With my love to all.



  12. Tim and Ronda Shepard, Eudora, KS on September 19, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a close friend or Tim’s Uncle Chuck May and we took them to dinner several times and had them over for Christmas.
    We truly loved your Mom. She was such a joy to be around.



Leave a Condolence