Florena Kloss

Florena Anne Kloss, age 58, known as Lorrie to her friends and family, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021 at M.D. Anderson Hospital surrounded by her husband, Kenny, and daughters, Sarah Beth and Olivia. Lorrie bravely battled leukemia for two years. She was an example of courage, faith, and strength throughout.

Lorrie was born March 20, 1963 in Morristown, NJ, the daughter of Raymond and Gay Sauer. She went to school in New Jersey, Norway, and England, and later graduated from Columbia High School. She went on to earn her B.A. from the University of Houston and began a lengthy career in Education.

Lorrie embodied the definition of the word “educator”. Her love for her students was boundless. She sought ways to truly make a difference in the lives of those she served. Lorrie began her educational journey at Jane Long Elementary in Freeport, Texas in 1991.  She obtained her M.A. in 1996 from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. She served as both Assistant Principal and Principal at several schools in Brazosport I.S.D., with the majority of her career as Principal of Jane Long Elementary.

She was a lifelong learner and took every opportunity to increase her knowledge of students and how they learn. During her time at Jane Long she went back to school and acquired her Superintendent Certification. In 2016, Lorrie made a huge career and personal move. She felt her heart calling her to the White River Apache Tribe in Arizona where she served first as an interventionist and ended her career as Principal of Seven Mile Elementary. While there, she fell in love with the students, their families and their traditions. Wanting to further her knowledge, she began her Educational Doctorate degree in 2019.

Lorrie’s every professional goal centered around students' needs. She never accepted failure as an option. She was always determined that her kids were going to be successful, regardless of the obstacles.  Lorrie leaves behind not just a career, but a legacy of both love and learning. One in which all students knew she cared about them enough to hold them to a standard of excellence.

She heard the late Rita Pierson say, “Every kid needs a champion.” Lorrie took that statement to heart and became the champion of thousands of students over her 29 year career, impacting their lives in ways that may never be truly understood.

After leaving TX for AZ, Lorrie spent much of her time pursuing lifelong interests in home renovations. She and Kenny dedicated themselves toward renovating their mountain retirement home together. When they weren’t working on home projects, Lorrie’s other passion was being a grandmother, or Momo, to her three grandchildren.

Lorrie was preceded in death by her grandparents; William and Tillie Sauer, William Sizemore and Florena Sizemore-Harper, and step-grandfather; Cylde Harper.

She is survived by her husband; Kenny Kloss, daughter; Sarah Beth Mull-Nastal and husband Josh Nastal and their three children; Zoe, Zeth, and Brent, daughter; Olivia Kloss, parents; Raymond and Gay Sauer, brother; Dr. Ray Sauer, Jr. and wife Mary Carol and their children; Matt, Greg, and Kate, sister; Patricia Rosin and her children; Isabel, Emilia, and Kika, sister; Tilda Sauer, and dear friend Michael Morgan. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Columbia United Methodist Church in West Columbia, TX with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Central EMS would be welcomed.