Susan Eileen Kuehn

Susan Eileen (Travis) Kuehn passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025 at Valle Verde Retirement Center, Santa Barbara, CA. She was 82. Born in Dallas, TX to Kenneth and Althea Travis, she was the oldest of four children. Susan attended Thomas Jefferson High School and the University of North Texas (formerly NTSU), in Denton, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education. She married her husband of 61 years, David Kuehn, in 1963 and they spent a year living in London, UK where she studied voice at Morley College and served as a substitute elementary school teacher for families of American military service personnel. In the mid-1960s, the Kuehns moved to Eau Claire, WI where Susan taught voice and directed the Women’s Chorus at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (formerly WSU-EC), and, in 1967, welcomed son Mikel into their family. They soon moved back to Denton, TX and Susan juggled motherhood with substitute teaching in the Denton public school system and playing double bass in the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. She earned her Master’s degree in Music Education at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. The family spent a year in Rochester, NY in 1969-70 where Susan taught elementary school music at PS 39 and welcomed daughter Barbara to the family. In 1980, they relocated to Seal Beach, CA where Susan sang with the Jane Hardester Singers and continued her career as a substitute teacher. In 1985 the family moved to the Kansas City area; Susan volunteered with the Hunger Project, sang in the Pro Arte Chorale, and studied voice. When the Kuehns moved to Santa Barbara, CA in 1993, Susan joined the Quire of Voyces and later became the president of its Advisory Board, and founder & president of the QV Guild. With her dear friend, Donna Gibbs, Susan made up the Delightful Divas Duo. Together they performed many classical duets in five languages for various groups in the Santa Barbara community. Susan was also active with the Women’s Auxiliary at the Music Academy of the West.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, David Kuehn, son Mikel (Deborah), daughter Barbara Alvarez (Tony), grandchildren Stefan (Ana), Madison and Zoë, and siblings Althea (Raoul), Mike (Jo Ann) and Ken (Karen).

At Susan’s request, there will not be a funeral service or celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Quire of Voyces or the Music Academy of the West.