Diana Lorraine “Lori” Balanow, 61

Diana Lorraine “Lori” Balanow, 61, of Middleburg, FL passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026. Lori was born in Miami, Florida to the late Dallas L. Spurlin Sr and Mary W. Spurlin. She grew up in the Miami area and moved to Middleburg FL 20 years ago from Panama City.

Lori was an early adopter of computers and became an excellent researcher. Her quest to obtain veteran disability benefits for her late husband is still used as a model for others today. She enjoyed rescuing vintage items, especially clothes, and researching and refreshing them for her store or personal use. She also researched how to care for her horses, cows, and other farm animals, so a veterinarian was rarely needed.

Lori graduated from FSCJ Community College with a degree in nursing. She shared her knowledge with her family, as the one to go to for health questions, and as a caregiver for grandchildren and other family members. She was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church of Middleburg, FL. She treasured her time with the Apologetics Group, and had kept in touch with her late husband’s Men’s Group. Lori will be dearly missed by all those she loved.

Mrs. Balanow was preceded in death by her husband, George Habiger, and by her husband and father of her children, Mark Balanow in 2006, and by her siblings Bud Spurlin, Joe Spurlin, Bob Spurlin, and Sue Beasley.

Lori is survived by her children, Emily (Justin) Hampton, Dallas Balanow, George (Tala) Balanow, Katie Tomlinson, Mary Habiger, Robbin Habiger, sister, Nancy Rey, brother, Bill Spurlin, 10 grandchildren, and 5 nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. William Catholic Church, Keystone Heights, FL. with Father Jaison officiating. Following the mass, there will be a time of fellowship and celebration of Lori’s life in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to:  St. William Catholic Church, Keystone Heights, FL.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720