Obituary: Ring

Jennifer Erin Ballenger Ring, born February 11, 1972, in Long Beach, CA, passed away April 20, 2025, in Jacksonville, FL, after a 17-month battle with Stage 4 Lung cancer.

Jennifer was the beloved child of Linda (Bachman), now Deaton, and Daniel K. (Kathy) Ballenger. Jennifer shared a special bond with her brother, Daniel K. II (Misty), and her stepsisters Rachel (Jason) Evans and Amanda Deaton. Her extended family, including many nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart.

A lifelong advocate for animals, Jennifer dedicated much of her life to the care and protection of those without a voice. Her compassion extended especially to dogs, most notably the pit bull which she championed with unwavering devotion. She always maintained that a dog raised with kindness and love would be a loving and loyal companion.  

Known for being kind and selfless, Jennifer was always ready to lend a hand or offer comfort to both people and animals.

Jennifer shared her life with her soulmate and partner, Brian Burke. Together they built a loving home filled with warmth and joy alongside their cherished dogs, Nala and Patton.

Per her wishes, her earthly body was donated to science in the hope it will provide valuable information for cancer research.  

Jennifer's legacy is one of empathy, advocacy and unconditional love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends will gather at the Chenoa Family Restaurant at 1:00 pm on June 21 to celebrate this bright light of life.  Interment will follow at 3:00 at the Chenoa Cemetery near her maternal grandparents, Earl and Lucile Bachman.