Mrs. Van Dusen

Mrs. Van Dusen is the Attendance Clerk in the Front Office. She was raised in Montana until the age of 15 when she moved to Colorado with her family. She lived in Sterling Colorado for 30 years. In 2005, she and her husband moved to Fort Collins for a short time, then moved to Texas for 6.5 years and then back to Fort Collins in 2014 where she and her husband reside just across the fence.

Before coming to Ridgeview, Mrs. Van Dusen completed a BA in Christian Education from Freedom Bible College. Up until the last 10 years at RCS, she has worked most of her life in various churches. She has served as an Executive Assistant, a Director of Women’s Ministry and a Director of Children’s Ministry and has taught all ages of Sunday School classes. She has enjoyed completing 4 writing projects for Group Publishing including Dinner and a Movie bible studies for small group gatherings. When she is not managing attendance in the Front Office, Mrs. VanDusen enjoys making sourdough bread, watercolor painting, reading and crocheting.

11 years ago, upon moving back to Fort Collins from Texas, she brought her resume and application into Ridgeview. She thought it so handy to live so close and be able to walk to work. She was hired as a lunchroom monitor and then soon began helping in the front office. She has served as the Attendance Clerk for 9 years.

Mrs. VanDusen has 2 grown daughters with families of their own. Her oldest daughter lives here in Fort Collins with her husband and their 3 children. Her younger daughter lives in Sturgis, SD with her husband and their 3 children. Mrs. VanDusen loves being a grandmother to her 6 grandchildren, ages 9-16.

Q & A with Mrs. Van Dusen

Where were you born and where have you lived?

Born in Billings, Montana. I lived 30 years in Sterling, Colorado and 6.5 years in Midland, Texas and now in Ft. Collins.

Where did you attend university or college?

I have BA in Christian Education from Freedom Bible College.

What kind of reading do you most enjoy doing?

My favorite genre is Historical Fiction. One of my favorite books in that genre is Loving Soren by Caroline O'neil about the life of Soren Kierkergaard. Other favorite books: Tarzan of the Apes, The Hobbit and Peyton Place. Currently reading: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

What are the small essentials that make life more comfortable?

I don't like to be too busy in my life, so, time to breathe is important to me. Also, I am a WHOLE food, REAL food enthusiast, so, really good food is essential to a comfortable life. Also, chocolate. Chocolate everyday. And, rich, dark, strong coffee.

What are your favorite snacks?

Cheese & crackers (really good cheese, though, like Brie or smoked Gouda), bing cherries, and any sort of dark chocolate.

What do you do to unwind?

I like to unwind by crocheting, spending time with my grand children, and going to thrift stores with my husband.

How could a parent volunteer help you most?

A parent volunteer could help me most by filing documents or organizing the clothing donations.