Ena Marie Ballinger of Riverview, FL, formerly of Champaign, IL, was taken home January 5, 2018, after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ena lived the last year of her life to the fullest and never felt sorry for herself.  Her verse she lived by was Romans 12:12 - "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

She leaves behind her amazing husband Steven who was by her side every step of the way as she battled cancer bravely.  She was a cherished daughter to Jeff and Rene' Raaymakers and Connie Macedo. She was the best sister to Chad and Mallory Raaymakers and Gia Macedo.  She lavished love and care on her nephews, George and Theo Raaymakers, and they adored her.  She was the sweetest granddaughter to Carl and Sandy Duderstadt, Sue Raaymakers and the late Arnold Raaymakers, and Nina Boyer and the late Lou Boyer.  She was also the best friend to so many.  She never judged and always accepted everyone as they were.  So many remember and comment that she had the most beautiful smile ever. Though Ena was never able to fulfill her dream of becoming a mother, she did find her Prince Charming in Steven and they made less than three years together into a lifetime. They have two furbabies, Trapper and Henry, who will miss their Mama greatly.

Services for Ena will be at Serenity Meadows in Riverview, FL,  with a visitation on Wednesday, January 10th from 6:00-8:00 pm and funeral on Thursday, January 11th at 11:00 am. Steven's honorable service in the military has allowed her to be laid to rest in Sarasota National Cemetery.

In about a month's time, a celebration of life will be held to honor Ena at Meadowbrook Church in Champaign, where all of her Illinois family and friends will have a chance to honor and remember her.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org or to the ASPCA at aspca.org .

Ena was so special to so many, she was one of those rare people who was beautiful on the inside and out.  Her memory will be cherished and she will never be forgotten.