Leslie Karen Ring Johnson

Karen was born on August 22, 1963, in Dallas, TX. She shared this birth date with her grandmother exactly 54 years apart.  Karen spent many years during her childhood attending Echo Hill Ranch, a summer camp in Medina, TX. She became a Bat Mitzvah and was confirmed at Temple Shalom Dallas. She attended Richardson High School where she was active in the choir. Karen went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Public Address from the University of North Texas, going on to work for ICS selling communication systems before becoming a consultant for TCS Consultants. Karen was an active volunteer for the Temple Shalom and Congregation Kol Ami High Holy Day choirs. In addition to singing, Karen also had a passion for birds, dogs, flowers, and nature in general. Karen loved Jazzercise and cherished the relationships she built with the friends she made there. Karen shared a loving relationship with Jim Evans. They adopted a dog named Tiny or “The Boy” as Karen liked to call him. They enjoyed traveling, the great outdoors, and fishing together. Karen formed an instant bond with Nancy Wetzel, her caregiver of three years. During their time together, Karen made the most of her life and the two of them went on various fun adventures together each day.

She battled the effects of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) and Alzheimer’s over the past seven years and passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 24, 2023, at the age of 59. Karen is survived by her father Lewis and his wife Sue Ring as well as her mother Miriam Giller-Smith.  Karen was predeceased by her stepfather Pat Smith. Karen is also survived by her brother Steven and his wife Susan, as well as Adam and his wife Suzanne Ring. Karen, affectionately known as Aunt K to her nieces and nephews is survived by Kokey, Nicholas, Alyssa, and Jeff Ring. Karen, who quickly embraced her step-nieces and nephews in recent years, is also survived by Isobel, Brigitte, and Max Kenna, as well as Isabella and Skylar Campbell.

Karen was such a generous person, always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved spending time with her friends and family. She will be deeply missed. Our family is grateful to all of the people who cared for Karen in her final years. We are certain their intervention greatly improved her quality of life and for that we are thankful.