Obituary for Lynne Louise Boortz Lynne Louise Boortz, 78, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 23, 2018 after a lengthy battle against heart and lung disease. Lynne was born to Evelyn and Ken Hemphill in Long Beach, CA on October 31, 1939. She attended three colleges, graduating from San Jose State University after only three years with a dual degree in elementary education and speech therapy.
She was a fourth grade teacher for a short time before becoming a full time mom, artist, writer, story teller, piano player, volunteer, dinner party hostess, traveler, and organizer of neighborhood parties and golf trips with friends. Lynne and Jerry were married in Palo Alto, and lived in Colorado Springs for many years before moving to Fort Collins. They traveled throughout the world and especially enjoyed the wonderful experience of living in Germany for three years, where they completed much of a travel bucket-list throughout Europe.
Lynne acted as a personal travel agent for some 50 friends and relatives who visited them during their stay. Lynne and Jerry spent several winters in Surprise, AZ and lived part time at The Landings in Savannah, GA for the past nine years, where they enjoyed meeting many new friends. Lynne was a local celebrity due to her monthly “Meet your Neighbor” columns in the local TWATL magazine.
It was during this time that she published her memoir titled “I Miss You Erma” (referring to humorist Erma Bombeck), which has entertained many. The book is based on her humorous Christmas letters over the years, which many people reported as the only one they looked forward to! Lynne was an accomplished “play by ear” pianist and entertained family and friends at sing-alongs.
She could play most songs after hearing them once, or hearing a friend “hum a few bars”. She inherited an artistic talent from her grandmother Etta and created many water colors, pastels and oils. She enjoyed painting personal greeting cards for friends.
She enjoyed cribbage, canasta and mahjong, but especially loved bridge. Survivors include Jerry, her husband of 58 years, sister Jeri Livingstone, daughter Laurie Steele (Kelly), son Chris (Kim), former daughter-in-law Andrea, grandchildren Kyle Steele (Emily), Adam Steele (fiancé Deena), Kayla Young (Jesse), Matt and Whitney West, great grandchildren Harper and Corbin Steele, nephew Bob Livingstone, and grand niece Kendra Livingstone. A celebration of life will be held from 2PM to 4PM on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at Fort Collins Country Club.
Please feel free to bring a favorite story or memory to share. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Lynne’s name to PVH Foundation or Pathways Hospice or a charity of your choice. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lynne Louise Boortz please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Celebration of Life 2018 JUL 8. 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM Fort Collins Country Club 1920 Country Club Road Fort Collins, CO, US, 80524 Order Flowers for the Celebration of Life Guaranteed delivery before Lynne’s Celebration of Life begins.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
