Cara Ring Ethridge

Cara (Kay) Virginia Ring Ethridge, 80, of Apopka, Florida sadly passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 in her home under the care of hospice. She passed peacefully after a long, strenuous yet resolute battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Harry P. Leu Gardens Camellia Room, 1920 N Forest Avenue in Orlando, Florida. Any and all who knew her personally are welcome to attend. Come anytime between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm, relax and sit [or stroll] amongst the beautiful grounds of the gardens where we will honor and pay homage to Kay, share stories, meet others who loved her and reminisce about all the positive and meaningful ways she has impacted each and every one of our lives.

Mrs. Cara R. Ethridge, or Kay as she was most fondly known, was born on December 13, 1942 in Woodstock, Virginia, daughter of the late Marion (Bud) Brown Ring and Helen Virginia Boyer Ring, youngest sister to the late Marion Alice Ring Stranger and Helen Cassell Ring Sager. She was a graduate of Central High School in Woodstock and continued to receive a Bachelor of Science at Lynchburg College. During her time there she met and ultimately married Clarence Donald (Don) Ethridge on April 2, shortly before graduating in 1966.

After relocating to Orlando to start a new family she quickly began a longstanding and illustrious career as an elementary school educator, which continued until she retired in 2001 after 35 years of service to the region’s youth. Kay also continued to substitute teach for several years thereafter.

Kay and Don lived happily together for almost 36 years until she was widowed in 2001. During their marriage they raised 2 children, reestablished roots in Apopka and both discovered a common love of motorcycles. Each had their own Honda Goldwing 1800 where they would ride together alongside others in local bike groups, and to various biking events and rallies across the United States.

After the loss of her husband, she was lucky and blessed to find love a second time when she met Gary Richard Miller at Daytona Beach Bike Week in 2006. Kay and Gary also shared the same passion for motorcycles. They spent the next 17 years as longtime companions and confidants, touring, camping and traveling together all over the country.

In addition to her career and hobbies, Kay was revered for her volunteerism and unrelenting kindness to others. She was renowned for her homemade cookies which were lovingly baked and distributed to everyone she knew. She gratuitously gave to friends, family, and strangers alike, all whilst frequently donating to several local charities such as Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Loaves & Fishes, Orlando Union Rescue Mission, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Kay’s faith in God was unwavering. She held a special place in her heart for Central Christian Church Orlando, their congregants, and especially their Central Florida Drive-In Church service which she attended regularly.

Kay is survived by her son, Brandon Shea Ethridge, of San Diego and Palm Springs, California; longtime partner, Gary Richard Miller; three grandchildren, Dennis, Cameron, and Destini; two great–grandchildren, Brentlee and Leah. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cara Denise Ethridge.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 12–4 pm at Harry P. Leu Gardens Camellia Room, 1920 N Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803.

Memorial contributions may be made on Kay’s behalf to any of her favorite charities listed above.