Lynne Loots

Ms. Lynne Susan Loots, age 78, of Dobson, NC passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021. She believed life was an adventure and lived it with many pursuits and interests. She was always looking to learn more through reading, travel, taking classes and most importantly by connecting with other people. Lynne was raised in Oshkosh, WI by her parents Blanche and Ralph Loots and is survived by her sisters Wendy Loots and Diana Loots-Gams (Mark), brother Wayne Loots (Carol), nieces Heather Williams and Laura Gams, nephews Eric Loots and Kevin Gams, and cousins including Sheron who was also a lifetime best friend.

Her passion for the outdoors and music were formed in Oshkosh where she was a member of the Camp Fire Girls. She spent her summers at Camp Hiwela singing songs, cooking over a fire and building friendships that lasted her entire life. This start led her to joining the Sierra Club and leading and coordinating hiking trips all around the world from Alaska to Germany and as far away as Nepal. While she enjoyed nature on these trips it was also about the people, leading her to form a charity that helped put the daughters of two Nepalese Sherpas through school. Her musical interest developed as well and she became a talented concert pianist. While she could dazzle you with Beethoven, she was just as at home playing from musicals such as Oklahoma to prompt a singalong. Lynne appreciated education and thought it so important. She received her BA from UW Madison and was a devoted Badger fan for life. She received her MA from Dominican College and was dedicated not only to her own education but in encouraging others to reach higher and pursue the next level.

Lynne was past President of the League of Women Voters and was proud to wear her T-shirt that on the front said “A woman’s place is in the house” and on the back “Or in the senate”. She served on several professional and civic board of directors including United Way, San Francisco Bay Area Girl Scouts Council, and Marin Conservation League. She moved to Cary, NC in 1986 where she started her consulting business that contributed to the success of many businesses and organizations. She was a member of NC Roadrunners Club, NC World Trade Assn, and Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. In 1987 -88 when Rotary International approved admission of women, Lynne became the first woman president of the Rotary Club of West Raleigh.

Lynne pursued her dream of owning her own vineyard by moving to Dobson, NC. She continued her education by enrolling in a wine making class at Surry Community College and started Piernas D’Loots Vineyards which became her happy place. She formed many wonderful friendships that became like family to her in the Dobson area. She attended Dobson First United Methodist Church, sang in the VOCE choir, and was a member of the Dobson Women’s Club. She loved getting together on Friday nights with her Round Peak group and sharing food, wine and great conversation. When she was in need, the outpouring of help and generosity by her friends and neighbors was phenomenal and heartwarming. For that Lynne’s family is eternally gratefully.

Lynne will be dearly missed. If you listen closely, you may hear a glissando on the keyboard and heavenly voices singing along!

There will be a funeral service at Dobson United Methodist Church, Dobson, NC on August 14, 2021 at 11 a.m. with social time with family following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, 401 Technology Ln, Mt. Airy, NC 27030, or the charity of your choice.