For those who are fans of Loretta Lynn‘s, a trip to the Loretta Lynn Ranch is a pilgrimage of sorts. Located in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, the Loretta Lynn Ranch is a country music fan’s paradise.
The ranch allows visitors to learn more about Lynn by touring her Plantation Home, the Butcher Holler Home Place, and a simulated coal mine. In addition, the property is home to handful of museums, including the famous “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Museum.
Events are hosted at the ranch throughout the year, including musical performances. Guests have the ability to camp on the property at the full-service RV park or at one of the primitive camping spots.
The ranch also has plenty of gift shops available for visitors to browse through. Those who have strolled into the Gristmill Gift Shop have likely been greeted by a woman named Louise Hovatter, one of the ranch’s most beloved employees.
Hovatter devoted 36 years of service to the Loretta Lynn Ranch, and was its longest-lasting employee. So when her co-workers heard the news that she had passed away, everyone was understandably devastated.
The Loretta Lynn Ranch broke the news of Hovatter’s death on Facebook. The ranch wrote of how “cheerful” Hovatter always was, saying that she will be “missed so much” by all who knew her. Their message came along with a photo of Hovatter, who can be seen standing behind the counter at the gift shop with a huge smile on her face.
https://www.facebook.com/LorettaLynnRanch/photos/a.10151900786626111.1073741827.345216481110/10155984033901111/?type=3&theater
The “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Museum shared the same photo and offered some of their own words about Hovatter. Their message made it clear that Hovatter was more than just an employee to those at the Loretta Lynn Ranch, she was a “true friend.”
Both posts prompted former ranch guests to share their stories about interacting with Hovatter during their visits. For those of you who have visited the Loretta Lynn Ranch, did you ever get the chance to meet Hovatter? If so, we’d love to hear your stories about her in the comments.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hovatter’s many friends, family members, and co-workers during this sad time.