Early, Ariel

Ariel Early, 97, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed peacefully, comforted by the hand of a loving family, embraced by God to the sound of “In the Garden” on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at ManorCare Health Services, Cedar Rapids. Celebration of Life: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Dr. Kay Slocum. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include her children, Marilyn Burns of Sun City, Ariz., Linda (Cal) Haehlen of Marion, Tom Early of Phoenix, Ariz. and Tim Early of Marion; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

Ariel was preceded in death by her parents; former husband, B.J. Early; son, Robert Early; two grandchildren, Lori Williams and Lance R. Schaeffer; siblings, Merle Olson, Gertrude Kvach and Milo Olson; and son-in-law, Joe Burns.

Born Feb. 8, 1916, in Newhall, Iowa, Ariel was the daughter of Martin and Rachel (Johnson) Olson. Ariel continued to work until she was 75.

Ariel was a great mom and was truly the heart and soul of our family and her love knew no bounds when it came to family and friends. She loved gardening, butterflies, cooking, bingo and going to the casino.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ariel's name.

Please sign the online guest book for Ariel at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Feb. 20, 2013.