Yeniffer Cristina Ramirez Kunkel

Yeniffer was born on March 17, 1993, in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Yeniffer was, and always will be, an island girl at heart. She came to the U.S. in pursuit of a college education and to continue her volleyball career. Yeniffer was relentless and always in search of the next challenge in her life. Before coming to the U.S., Yeniffer played volleyball professionally for the Dominican International team and studied engineering for 2 years. She came to the U.S. without knowing English. When she wanted something in her life, she was fearless in the pursuit of achieving it. Yeniffer received her Bachelor’s Degree from Lindsey Wilson College and lead the volleyball team to a National Championship in the same year. Everything she did in her life was done with maximum effort and a pure heart.

Yeniffer and I met the summer before our final year of college. I guess it was God’s plan because if both of us hadn’t suffered injuries that caused us to withdraw for a semester, we probably wouldn’t have met. We had two classes together. One day in class, I glanced over and noticed her looking at me with the most beautiful smile. I couldn’t help but smile back and adore her. That same day, I let her know I’d be happy to help her with schoolwork and study with her. Little did she know, I didn’t know a damn thing. She invited me over to help her study, but we didn’t touch a book. Instead, we had great conversations throughout the night. Yeniffer and I continued talking, becoming closer and closer. I went to visit her during summer break when she was left on campus alone. When I arrived at her apartment, she was waiting for me outside with the most gorgeous dress and a beautiful smile. I knew then and there she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

Yeniffer was an aspiring front-end developer in tech. She worked countless hours perfecting her craft in pursuit of her dreams. She was taken before she was able to show the world who she was. Yeniffer loved cooking, which was just as great as her heart. Her cooking would steal your heart at first bite. Yeniffer also loved spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, art, deep conversations about life and the world, and most importantly, “the little things.”

Yeniffer had the purest heart and soul. When she loved, she loved with everything she had in her. She was selfless and always operated with the purest intentions. She was the most determined and dedicated individual I’ve ever had the chance to witness. She was a God-fearing woman who prepared her soul for when her time came. She was mentally strong and held herself to the highest standards in a world full of temptation and pressure. When the crowd went left, Yeniffer went right. She didn’t buy into the world’s beliefs and standards. She wasn’t scared to do anything or go anywhere – she knew home was in her heart. She knew who she was as a person and knew what she wanted in life: peace, love, happiness, and an eternal life with God.

Yeniffer was the most incredible wife, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. She will be dearly missed by many. There was a special piece of this world taken when God called her up. In a world full of darkness, she was truly a walking angel during her time on earth. She will now serve as a guardian angel, and her light will continue to shine. She is now at home, experiencing the most peace and love, cooking and dancing alongside her brother, Miguel.

You will not be forgotten, Yeniffer. Your contagious energy and love will always be remembered and cherished. Continue to watch over us and be a light in our world. Your soul is at peace and you’re an inspiration to those who loved you. You sacrificed your family to be with me – and for that, I will always be thankful and indebted to you. I can’t thank you enough for the joy you brought to my heart. I will forever cherish and hold it close. I will strive to be the best man I can be every day – strengthen my relationship and trust in God, find peace, love, and happiness with hopes of spending eternity by your side.

Until we meet again, Mi Amor, XOXO

Jared