Karyn Marie Ringhaver

66, died Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at her home surrounded by the comfort of her family members and her beloved four-legged family. In January 2013, Karyn was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and underwent treatment at H. L. Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, and in June she entered a very promising clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Karyn fought her disease with grace, courageous strength and fierce determination and was an inspiration to her family and many friends.

Karyn was born on September 2, 1947, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, to Patricia and Terrence Prosio, who preceded her in death.

Karyn will be remembered by her family and countless friends for her love, dedication and tireless support of animal rescue causes. She was instrumental in raising funds to construct Jagger Park located at the Hillsborough County Animal Services shelter on Falkenburg Road. She also chaired and co-chaired fundraising events in Tampa and Lake Toxaway, NC. In memory of a cherished pet, Jagger, she founded Jagger’s Dream Fund which supports local, state and national animal rescue organizations.

Karyn is survived by her husband, Lance Ringhaver of Apollo Beach, daughter Terri L. Sawyer of Annapolis, MD and fiancé Greg Nolte; daughter Shannon L. Sawyer of Lutz, FL; seven siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by Lance’s four children and nine grandchildren, brother-in-law Randal L. Ringhaver and sister-in-law Paula R. Ringhaver of Jacksonville.

Also surviving is her long-time friend and caregiver, Carolyn Haire, who tirelessly and unwearyingly devoted her life to Karyn during her illness.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 22, 2014, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Jagger’s Dream Fund (10421 Fern Hill Drive, Riverview, FL 33578), Hillsborough County Animal Services, LifePath Hospice, or a charity of your choosing.

Arrangements under the direction of Blount & Curry FH-Macdill Chap, TAMPA, FL.