Dorothy Loomis

Dorothy Maxine Nichols Loomis, 92, Iola, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012, at Allen County Hospital.

Dorothy was born Nov. 19, 1919, on a farm west of Carlyle, the daughter of William Harold and Libbie Helen (Kettle) Nichols. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Iola High School when she was 16, and Iola Junior College when she was 18. She finished her bachelor’s degree from Emporia State Teachers College later in life.

On May 21, 1939, Dorothy married Henry E. Loomis at her parents’ home in Carlyle. They made their home on a farm northeast of Iola for 60 years. Henry preceded her in death on Aug. 30, 1998.

Dorothy taught school for 30 years. She started in rural schools in Allen County and retired after 21 years from Crest in Colony.

She grew up as part of the Carlyle Presbyterian Church where she served as pianist and Sunday School teacher before moving her membership to Calvary United Methodist Church in Iola. She was a member of the Virginia Circle in the church, the Deer Creek Happy Hour Club, Sew and So Club in the Carlyle area and the Retired Teachers Association.

Dorothy loved quilting, gardening and raising flowers, especially roses, and traveling with Henry. She enjoyed cooking and was known for her hospitality.

She is survived by three sons, Ron Loomis and wife, Carol, Inman, David Loomis and wife, Phyllis, rural Iola, and Rodney Loomis and wife Suzanne, Newton; a brother, Elmer Nichols, Iola; nine grandchildren, Angela Friesen, Carrie Hildebrand, Laurie Larson, Matt Loomis, Lisa Der, Jana Grisier and Krista, Samuel and Zachary Loomis; and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Nichols.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Calvary United Methodist Church in Iola. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Memorials to Calvary United Methodist Church may be left with the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.