Jeanne Loomis Rayne

Jeanne Loomis Rayne (11/10/1935-8/10/2025)

Jeanne was born in Omaha, NE, the youngest of three, to Arthur L. and Genevieve K. Loomis. In her younger years she was an avid reader, active in community organizations, animal lover, and ran her own library for her neighbors. After graduation from Central High School, she attended Duke and earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Nebraska, and was back at her alma mater teaching English three years later. She pursued graduate school at University of Wisconsin and met her future husband William (Bill) F. Rayne.

They married in Omaha and settled in Racine, WI where Bill was opening an office for The Milwaukee Company, and Jeanne taught English and French at Park High School. Teaching soon was replaced by managing three sons and being very active with community organizations like First Presbyterian Church, Racine County Humane Society, Red Apple Elementary School (founder), PEO, Junior League, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and others. She also served as District Commissioner for Racine Country Pony Club, and North Central Regional Supervisor for United States Pony Clubs. For the family, she managed Timberlane Farm and bred and raised Connemara ponies that were ridden and driven by many horse enthusiasts in the area.

In retirement Bill and Jeanne wintered on St. John, USVI and were active in Audubon and Historic Societies, and Friends of the USVI National Park. She shared and encouraged her love of reading with many Coral Bay kids at Guy Benjamin School. Jeanne and Bill spent summers in Spring Green loving APT and supporting the Nature Conservancy. She always had a fantastic flower and vegetable garden and was active with book clubs and civic organizations that support under resourced individuals. Their final move was to Attic Angels in Middleton where they made more friends and had great visits with family and the many lifelong friends and neighbors they treasured.

Preceded in death by parents and siblings (Howard K. Loomis and Nancy Backus) she is survived by sons Chris (Claudia), Peter (Natasha), and Steve. Eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren also cherish memories of their Grammy and the Ellies she made for them.

Memorial service will be held September 6 at 11:00 am at Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road Madison with lunch and burial of ashes to follow.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434