Lotte Leigh Washburn

Lotte Leigh Washburn

December 13, 1953 – September 27, 2026

Lotte Leigh Russ Washburn, 72, of Sebring, Florida, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Sunday, September 27, 2026. She was born on December 13, 1953, in Roanoke, Virginia.

Lotte was the daughter of the late Ruby Jones Russ and Julia Elizabeth Russ. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Roma Robin Russ Long and Nelda Faye Russell Krisky.

Lotte spent her childhood living in several states before moving to Sebring, Florida, in 1968. She graduated from Sebring High School with the Class of 1972 and went on to devote more than 28 years of her life to serving children through the Highlands County School Board as an ESE and special needs paraprofessional. She had a special heart for children and a genuine love for helping them learn, grow, and feel cared for.

Caring for others was simply part of who Lotte was. She was always thinking of someone else and looking for ways to brighten another person's day. One of the ways she showed her love was through baking. Whether someone was celebrating, struggling, or simply needed to know they were remembered, Lotte could often be found in the kitchen making something special for them. She never forgot a birthday and always celebrated those she loved with a homemade cake, baked and delivered with love. Her kindness was expressed not only in words, but in the countless thoughtful things she did for others throughout her life.

Above all, Lotte treasured her family. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She later became "Nanny" to her four grandchildren. This role brought her tremendous joy. Her family was the center of her life, and the love she poured into them will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Lotte is survived by her husband, Timothy Duane Washburn; her daughters, Mandy Foster-Lower (Robert), Julie Kwilinski (Kraig), and Taryn Holmes, all of Sebring, Florida; and her four grandchildren, Jeffrey Scott Foster, Jeston Cassel, Lauren Leigh Lower, and Falyn Sorenson, all of Sebring.

She is also survived by her brother, Sperry J. Russ of Sebring; nephews, Bradley Gordan Long II of Brandon, Florida, and Scott "Boo" Libby of Lakeland, Florida; and nieces, Jennifer Carlisle of Sebring and Chelsey Libby of Brandon.

Lotte will be remembered for her servant's heart, her devotion to her family, her love for children, and the thoughtful ways she made people feel remembered and cared for. Her life was one of love expressed through service. Her influence will live on in the family, students, friends, and community whose lives she touched.