Obituary of Maralynn Earl

Maralynn Rita Earl passed away at her home near Kitscoty, Alberta, July 16, 2021 at the age of 68 years.

Maralynn was born on November 30, 1952 to Bill and Louise Kitteringham.  She was the eighth of ten children.  Maralynn grew up on the family farm northeast of Lloydminster and took very good care of her younger siblings.  She developed a love for cooking. I think all of us gathered here today had the privilege of enjoying Maralynn's cooking and baking.  Dough Dogs was a favorite that immediately came to mind when we were discussing her creations.

Maralynn attended school in Lloydminster graduating from the Composite Highschool in 1970.  She was an excellent student who enjoyed school and took a keen interest in drama.   Maralynn was also a wonderful figure skater.   After graduation Maralynn moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta for Recreation Administration.  The program wasn't quite what she expected, but she stuck out the first year before returning to Lloydminster.

Maralynn met Ken when they both worked at Big J Esso.  On August 11th, 1972 they decided to go dancing at the Villa Motor Inn after work.   Maybe it was destiny or their mutual love of dancing, but that evening was the start of a special love and bond.  One year later to the day Maralynn married the love of her life in Edmonton.

The couple lived in Lloydminster.  Maralynn and Ken experienced tragedy early on in their marriage when they lost the infant son, Jason.  Sometimes a loss of this magnitude tears couples apart, but for Maralynn and Ken this brought them closer together.

Shortly after, Maralynn and Ken moved to Kitscoty. Maralynn worked at Gray's Bigway Grocery in Kitscoty for about two and a half years until they welcomed Dustin on March 26th, 1976.   Within a very short period, Maralynn returned to the work force, this time at the Kitscoty Post Office, where she continued to work for the next 20 years.   

On November 30, 1980, they celebrated Maralynn's birthday by moving to their new home south of Kitscoty.  Over the years the two of them worked to establish the prairie paradise where we are gathered today.  On September, 22, 1983 Maralynn and Ken welcomed their daughter Kim to the world.   

Family meant so much to Maralynn, and over the years they made so many memories.  Traveling to Hawaii, BC and California and later to Mexico.

Christmas was a very special time of year at the Earl home.  From cutting down the tallest tree which filled the house leaving just enough room for the mountain of gifts it was magical.   Maralynn treasured these family moments, and her home is filled with mementos of special times. 

Maralynn completed the Lakeland College Early Childhood Education Program in Lloydminster and worked at the Kitscoty Elementary with the Kindergarten class specializing in speech.  Mrs. Earl quickly became a class favorite.

Maralynn and Ken travelled many a mile together across Canada and the U.S. when Ken was long distance hauling.   She looked after Ken and kept him on the road.  Whenever they could they stopped to enjoy new experiences along the way and make special friends.

Gardening became one of her passions.   Maralynn worked part-time at Castle Gardens Greenhouse for a number of years.   She even harvested seeds from some of her favorite flowers and vegetables to grow the following year.   Maralynn was a great host, the coffee pot was always on and neighboring friends would often stop by and sometimes stay the day.

Maralynn's faith was deep and unwavering.  This gave her tremendous strength to carry her and her loved ones through the difficult times.  She bravely battled cancer with grace and dignity for over 15 years, proving the medical community wrong more than once.  Her belief in miracles and the love for her family kept her going.  She was a miracle in so many ways.

           

Maralynn is survived by: her loving husband of almost 48 years, Ken Earl; son, Dustin and wife, Nicole and their children, Kaitlin, Jarret, Lucas and Riley; daughter, Kim and husband, Lyndon and their children, Denver, Mayla and Walker; brothers, Lorne Kitteringham, Alfred (Emily) Kitteringham and David (Angie) Kitteringham; sisters, Lorraine (Vic) Fleming, Elaine (Stan) Gerber, Judy Reinhart, Josie (Darhl) Senft and Bernadette (Robert) Aultman; sisters-in-law, Evelyn (Ernie) Brazunas and Cathie (Paul) Winterhalt ; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Maralynn is predeceased by: her infant son, Jason; parents, Bill and Louise Kitteringham; brother, Jack Kitteringham; sister-in-law, Irene Kitteringham; brother-in-law, Jim Reinhart; and parents-in-law, Elric and Audrey Earl.

The Private Memorial Service for Maralynn will be by invitation only, but we welcome friends, family and neighbors to visit Ken, at his home, at a later date.

Donations in memory of Maralynn may be made to donor's charity of choice.

Maralynn's memorial card can be viewed or downloaded from the link below.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/d7609c56-6a5c-45af-9f6f-2d888914edb9