Olwen Riehn

Olwen Margaret Riehn, 95, of Jackson, joined her beloved husband in heaven, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012. She passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family and friends.

Olwen was born Sept. 15, 1917, daughter of Richard Roberts and Margaret Ann Aiken Roberts in Swansea, South Wales, United Kingdom. At age 24, she was drafted into the British Royal Air Force where she earned the rank of LACW, Leading Aircraftwomen as a nurse at a military hospital in the London, England district. served her country from Nov. 22, 1941 to March 27, 1946. During her service she met and fell in love with U.S. Technical Sergeant, Earl Edgar Riehn. Following her honorable discharge from the RAF, she traveled by sea to the United States to pursue her love for Sergeant Riehn. They were happily married in Cape Girardeau, on March 5, 1947. She was presented her certificate for United States Citizenship on June 9, 1961.

Her love and compassion for children was fulfilled by her work as a cook at May Greene School in Cape Girardeau for many years. She also worked as a cook at Southeast Missouri State University.

Earl and Olwen lived in Cape Girardeau County until his death on Feb. 25, 1995. She lived in Cape Girardeau until Jan. 2010, when a tragic fall resulted in a broken hip. She moved to Jackson to live with family members where she enjoyed a beautiful life in the country surrounded by her loving family.

Olwen will always be remembered by her sweet smile and charming English accent. She helped to care for many children, nieces and nephews during her 95 years. She will be sadly missed by all who adored her kindness and compassion. Olwen will be especially missed by Timber, the family pet and John, the 3 year-old-light of her life.

Olwen was a member of the Church of England in Swansea, South Wales.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews both here and abroad. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her dearest sister, Mair Aiken Roberts.

The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ford & Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Hobbs Chapel Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Southeast Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care for Olwen during her final days.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Southeast Hospice, 60 Doctor's Park, Suite 102, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 63703.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.