Lorena ISD cafeteria manager dies after battling COVID-19

LORENA, Texas (KWTX) - Kristi Rinewalt Fuller, the high school cafeteria manager at Lorena ISD, passed away on October 19 after battling COVID-19.

“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,” Lorena ISD said in a statement.

“Our prayers and condolences are with her family at this most difficult time.”

A Go Fund Me account set up by Fuller’s daughter before her mother’s passing revealed Fuller had been in the hospital battling the novel coronavirus.

“My beautiful mother has been in the hospital for close to three weeks now due to COVID-19 and pneumonia,” the page states.

“The past week she has been fighting for her life on a ventilator in the ICU. While she is still fighting, my family and I decided to start a GoFundMe to raise money for her medical bills. We would really appreciate any support YOU have to offer. Thank y’all for the constant prayers during this time,” the daughter wrote.

Friends and family have nothing but the highest praise of Fuller.

“Kristi was an amazing mom, amazing wife, she was fun, always happy,” Kestin Arnet, girlfriend of Kristi’s son Chandler Fuller, said.

Arnet says she had many roles within the community whether it be in the school cafeteria, driving the school bus, or bringing smiles to the faces of friends and family.

“She loved being in the cafeteria,” Arnet said.

“She worked in the cafeteria 15+ years.”

Arnet says the family is thankful for the continued support of the community as they all mourn the loss of Kristi Fuller.

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