Lynne Sharon Datig

Lynne Sharon Rothburn Datig passed away unexpectedly in Leicester on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the age of 76. She was born on November 15, 1949, in Los Angeles, California.

Lynne was a proud graduate of Belmont High School in Los Angeles, Class of 1968. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Language Arts from the University of Oregon, an accomplishment that remained a deep source of pride throughout her life.

For 31 years, Lynne served as a middle school teacher at Coffenberry Junior High School in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. She taught primarily 6th grade Language Arts and Science, with Science holding a special place as her favorite subject to teach. She loved her students and was known for encouraging them to excel in their studies. In addition to her classroom work, she also taught Drama and Debate, roles she greatly enjoyed and through which she shared her enthusiasm, intelligence, and gift for connecting with young people.

In addition to her calling as a teacher, Lynn had a special love for the young people of the Myrtle Creek community. She shared that love through her passion for soccer, giving countless young people an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the joy of being part of a team. Lynn helped lead and organize the community’s first AYSO soccer league, creating a place where children could build friendships, learn the value of teamwork, and simply enjoy the game she loved so much. She also made history as the first female coach of the Varsity Boys soccer team in Myrtle Creek. Through coaching and mentoring, Lynn touched the lives of many young people, encouraging them, believing in them, and leaving an enduring mark on the community she cared for so deeply.

Lynne was an extrovert who never met a stranger. She had a remarkable ability to make friends with anyone and was known as a kind person whose warmth drew others in. She enjoyed playing Mahjong with her friends, reading, writing, and learning about other people. She loved to travel and had visited 48 of the 50 United States. She also loved dogs and horses, delighted in watching the Kentucky Derby, and treasured good food shared with good friends. Above all, she loved her children and grandchildren deeply.

She is survived by her daughters, Cerena Cruz and Ilka Datig and her husband Joshua Thompson. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Xavier Cruz and his wife Brooke, Max Datig, Juna Thompson, and Noel Thompson; as well as her great-grandchildren, Tegan Elizabeth Cruz and Leia Marie Cruz; and by many extended family and friends. The love she gave to her family was lasting and profound, and her presence will continue to be felt in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Lynne was preceded in death by her parents, George Rothburn and Faith Darling Rothburn; and by her son, Erich Datig, who passed away in 2018.

Firends and family are invited to a time of gthering and rememberance of Lynne's life which will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 1428 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lynne's memory to the ASPCA at www.aspca.org

Lynne will be remembered for her kindness, her lively and welcoming spirit, her devotion to teaching, and the deep love she carried for her family and friends. Her life touched many, and her memory will be cherished.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Lynn's family.