Mary Ellen Earles, 72, of Independence, Iowa died Saturday evening, February 6, 2016 at her home in Independence, IA.

Mary Ellen was born on November 25, 1943 in Bath, New York the daughter of Lewis J. and Vivian G. (Turnquist) Hull. She was a 1961 graduate of the Gateway High School in Monroeville, PA. Received a BS Degree in Psychology/Social Work from of the Otterbein College in Westerville, OH in 1965, and a Master of Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA in 1970. She served with the US Peace Corps in Kabul, Afghanistan from 1966 thru 1968, where she met and later married Jerry D. Earles on August 23, 1969 in Monroeville, PA. The couple made their home in Independence, Iowa where she was employed as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Iowa until her retirement in March of 2008.

Thru the years she was active in her profession working with the Travelers Aid, Family Planning in Marshalltown, IA, the Buchanan County Volunteer Coop, and as a Para Professional helping with special needs students with the Independence Community Schools in Independence, IA.

She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Independence, IA, serving as Lay Speaker and Prayer Coordinator. She was active in the Aglow International, Iowa State Prayer Coordinator, and a local board member and volunteer with the Cedar Valley Hospice since 1993.

Mary Ellen enjoyed playing bridge, tennis, water aerobics, healthy eating, going on short term mission trips, leading many bible study groups in the community, and her work during the Olympics in Atlanta, and Salt Lake City.

She is survived by her husband Jerry Earles, Independence, IA, a son; Brian Earles, West Liberty, IA, and a sister; Nancy (Robert) Focareta, Murrysville, PA

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter Sheri Earles in 1995.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, IA with Rev. Scott Meador and Rev. John Sheda officiating. Burial will be at 3 PM Wednesday at the Liberty Township Cemetery, Little Cedar, IA. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM Tuesday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence and from 9 AM till services Wednesday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Ghosh Center’s “Bessie Tree” 1951 51st ST NE; Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, Cedar Valley Hospice, 801 1st St E.; Independence, IA 50644, First United Methodist Church, 313 2nd St. SE, Independence, IA 50644, or to The Living Water Church 113, 2nd Ave NE; Independence, IA 50644

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