A school district within McLennan County is facing the loss of a member of the Lorena Leopard family.

According to a report from our news partners at KWTX, Kristi Rinewalt Fuller,49, passed away on October 19, after a month long battle with COVID-19.

Lorena ISD released the following statement on the loss of such a cherished employee:

“Kristi Rinewalt Fuller, our high school cafeteria manager, passed away the afternoon of October 19th. Kristi was a proud Lorena graduate, a valued Lorena ISD employee and community member, and an excellent leader who will be missed by students, staff, and the greater Lorena ISD community. Our prayers and condolences are with her family at this most difficult time.”

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A Gofundme account has been created to help the family process medical bills and funeral expenses.

According to the Gofundme page:

Visitation will be held at Grace Gardens, Friday, October 22 2021, from 6 to 8 PM. The funeral will also be held at Grace Gardens the following Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10 AM. Burial to follow at the Cottonwood Cemetery.

This isn't the first death of an educator or staff member within McLennan county due to COVID-19, but we can only hope that it will be the last.

This year alone Connally ISD has lost three educators:

  • Angela Thompson, an instructional aide at the Connally Primary Campus.
  • David “Andy” McCormick, 49, a social studies teachers at Connally Junior High School.
  • Natalia Chansler, 41, a social studies teachers at Connally Junior High School.

We would like to thank the educators and staff across the U.S. as well as any other front-line worker for their incredible sacrifices during this pandemic.

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