Lorna Klein lost her battle with cancer on September 28, 2016 surrounded by family and friends she held dear. Lorna was born December 2, 1936 at Humboldt County Hospital in Winnemucca, Nevada to parents Leonard and Louise Simpson. She spent her early years at her grandmother’s ranch in McDermitt, later moving to Los Angeles where her father worked for the Defense Department assembling planes while her mother was a “Rosie the Riveter.” During her fourth grade year her dad packed the family up and returned to Humboldt County to begin mining at Horse Creek in the Kings River Valley. The family spent summers at the mine and the remainder of the year in Winnemucca where she attended school, graduating from Humboldt County High School in 1954.
Lorna married her first husband, Stanley Clausen in 1955. They were blessed with three children, Denise, Michael and Terri. When Stan was killed in an automobile accident in 1967 Lorna and the children returned to Winnemucca. Lorna then began her career with Nevada Bell where she worked until her retirement.
Lorna married Gilbert "Joe” Klein on May 30, 1986 and welcomed his two sons, Gary and Jimmy, into her family. Lorna and Joe spent many happy years together and enjoyed creating crafts for family and friends. Lorna loved the holidays and had decorations for every season. Christmas was her favorite holiday and after the decorations were up the way she wanted them she invited everyone over for a party that seemed to grow larger every year.
Lorna was preceded in death by her parents and first husband Stan. She is survived by her husband Joe, children Denise and Ron Cerri, Mike and Nancy Clausen, Terri and Mark Nielsen and stepsons Gary and Dawni Klein and Jimmy and Kellie Klein. Lorna found great pleasure in her grandchildren Jeff (Sheena) Cerri, Jacque (Zach) Peterson, Stacey (Dusty) Edwards, Taylor (Kayley) Nielsen, Courtney (Zach) Garretson, Braden Nielsen, Kayla (Rusty) Kelso, Cassie Klein, C.J. Klein, Kyle Klein and Payton Klein. She was also Nana to six great grandchildren; Bailey, Connor and Graycen Peterson, Addysen and Rhett Edwards and Wyatt Garretson.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Mountain View Mortuary with a reception to follow at her home in Sparks. In lieu of flowers Lorna requested donations be made in her name to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for the care and kindness they showed to Lorna during her final days.
