Lori R. Luis

Lori R. Luis

November 28, 1968 – January 29, 2024

Lori is survived by spouse Richard, parents Don and Ralene, twin sister Sheri, niece Katelin, nephew Brandon, brother-in-law Ryan, mother-in-law Laura and father-in-law R.O..

Lori and her sister were very active in 4-H from the age of nine through high school and showed dogs and rabbits. She also went on to show dogs competitively as a Junior Handler in AKC events. Lori loved dogs, especially American Staffordshire Terriers and her final show dog, Tara, a miniature Schnauzer. According to many of my coworkers, she made the “best damn cookies” they ever had. Chocolate chip was her specialty, which won multiple blue ribbons through 4-H and at county fairs.

Lori loved the beach more than anywhere. She constantly drove to Stinson or Ocean beach whenever she was in the Bay Area. In Thousand Oaks, she visited Santa Monica beach, among many others, and Coronado when in San Diego. It seemed she had visited any beach you could name between Bodega Bay and Coronado. She visited and explored every beach on Kauai.

Not a swimmer, she would sail on San Francisco Bay without a life jacket. She owned a life jacket, but it was considered uncouth by her fellow thrill-seeking sailors to actually wear it. She did love her insulated, water-resistant sailing jackets and pink Sperry deck shoes.

Lori and her twin sister inherited her father’s love for sports cars and fine automobiles. Due to the weather and road conditions in San Antonio her last car was Ruby, a red and black 2-door, 4WD Jeep Wrangler Sport. She and her niece inherited an interest in family history and genealogy from her mother. She was an active member of the Dallas and San Antonio branches of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She took up bike riding in Texas to substitute for her beloved hikes in her native California. As a couple, we took many long and lovely rides around White Rock Lake in Dallas. She spent hours on her treadmill and long neighborhood walks to strengthen her lungs and physical endurance to stave off the need for asthma medication.

A devoted foodie, Lori loved going out to good restaurants, where she always ordered a California Chardonnay with dinner. She loved cooking her favorite complicated dishes at home. She enjoyed shopping in William Sonoma and Sur la Table for just the right cooking device. We spent many happy hours dancing in the kitchen and dining room while preparing dinner.

Lori was absolutely passionate about jewelry and gemstones. She had a great eye for color and “millimeter gauge” eyes. She was a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America and a Certified Gemologist of the American Gem Society and was active in both the San Franciso and Dallas GIA Alumni Associations. Boundlessly curious, she constantly pursued continuing professional education and received numerous additional certifications including Graduate Diamonds, Graduate Pearls and Jewelry Forensics over her 35-year career. She spent twelve very productive and happy years with John and Marian Garfolo at Stephen-Hill Jewelry Designers in San Rafael, California. Trips to jewelry shows, designers and manufacturers in Switzerland, Sweden, Thailand, Greece, France and Germany both satiated and fueled her passion for jewelry. She never left the house without a loupe on her person, typically in a designer handbag.

Lori was discerning and meticulous in both her professional and private life. She was hard working, but she was also great at playing and having a good time. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

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