Saari-Miedke, Ashley Karen

Ashley Karen Saari-Miedke, 19, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Monday, May 20, 2013, at her home. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 24, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Living Hope Wesleyan Church. Burial will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Ashley Karen Saari-Miedke was born Sept. 21, 1993, to Steve Miedke and Kelly Saari in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She graduated from Jefferson High School with the class of 2012. She was currently enrolled at Kaplan University studying to be a medical assistant. During high school, Ashley was involved with working with disabled children. Her passion and talent led her to work at REM Iowa as a direct service professional.

She enjoyed shopping, fishing, and going to the races. Ashley had a heart of gold and a smile that would brighten any room she walked into.

She will be remembered for her positive outlook on life, listening ear, and her outgoing personality.

She is survived by her parents, Steve Miedke and Kelly Saari of Shellsburg; sister, Amber Saari-Miedke and fiance Tyler Whalen of Cedar Rapids; grandparents, David (Susan) Saari of Robins; grandmother, Marlys Fladeland of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandfather, Carl Miedke of Colorado Springs, Colo.; great-grandmother, Zereta Mitchell of Marion; significant other, Dallas Chandler of Cedar Rapids; her faithful companion, Zoey; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Ashley was preceded in death by two grandmothers, Karen Saari and Linda Saari; and great-grandparents, Maurice Mitchell, Wayne and Charlotte Saari and Don and Arlene Waddle.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family.

Please leave an online condolence for the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published May 23, 2013 in The Gazette