LORENE KOHUT

1929-2017

Lorene Kohut –Longtime Owner of The Little Gallery and Rock Shop and well known self-taught artist on the East Coast passed away at Seton Medical Center in Austin, TX on March 17, 2017. Born in Houston Texas on November 16, 1929 she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Alma Severance. Lorene joined the army right after high school and was honored, after only seven weeks of enlistment, to march in the inaugural parade for President Truman. She met and married M. Sgt. Mike Kohut in 1950.They spent time in Okinawa, the Phillipines and West Point New York. During this time Lorene painted and exhibited her artwork in various shows before finally settling down in Delaware. Lorene continued to paint and exhibit her artwork extensively in the East in several fine art museums and galleries and participated in One Man Shows. She belonged to several Art Associations, won numerous awards and was the recipient of three gold medals. Her paintings, often referred to as art poetry, hang in many private collections as well as public ones. Lorene eventually relocated back to her home state; first to La Grange, where she opened an art gallery, and then to Smithville. It was here that she started selling not only her art work but various types of rocks. Lorene’s shop was well known for having an eclectic selection of merchandise that was reasonably priced. Not only did people love to spend time perusing through the rock shop, they also enjoyed in engaging in conversation with Lorene. And she always made sure everyone left the shop with a happy stone. She will be sorely missed by her following of loyal customers and numerous friends she made through her business. Lorene was preceded in death by her former husband, Mike Kohut and two brothers, Patrick and Tommy Severance. She is survived by one sister Bambi Byrd of Jacksonville, FL., her son Michael Kohut and his wife Jackie of Greenwood, DE, her daughter Karen Kohut of Milford, DE and her daughter Michelle Lynch and her husband Brian, of Bridgeville, DE, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Per Lorene’s wishes, a service will not be held. In remembrance, donations can be made to pecancreekanimalrescue.org.