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Karen Ann (Snyder) Early , beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away on October 30, 2024 in her home in Colorado Springs peacefully surrounded by family.

She was born in Kirksville, Missouri, to Paul and Dorthy Snyder and was the younger sister to Janet Snyder. After graduating from Kirksville High school in 1960 she then went on to pursue her studies at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College graduating in 1965 as a proud member of the Tri Sigma sorority. Growing up she spent much of her time working at her parents clothing store, Snyder's Style Shop and later helped with the accounting of the store.

On July 31, 1971, she married her soulmate, John "Mike" Early. Together, they welcomed two children, Kelley (Robert) Christian of Colorado Springs, CO; and Shawn (Veronica) Early of Colorado Springs, CO. Karen embraced her role as a stepmother to her other children Michael (Mary Carol) Early of Kirksville, MO; Debi (Jim) Kavanaugh of Ashland, MO; Sue Ellen (Doug) May of Jefferson City, MO; Pat (Jeff) Carter of Arlington, TX; John Early of St. Louis; Robin (Tom) May of Columbia, MO.

In 1985, they moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Karen thrived in her new community. During her time in Colorado, Mike and Karen were successful entrepreneurs working together in many different fields - from opening TJ Cinnamons, to growing their mortgage loan company Piedmont Financial.

A passionate sports fan, Karen became a devoted Denver Broncos supporter and affectionately referred to Colorado as "God's country."

She loved to match and was always changing her jewelry to match whatever outfit she had put together that day.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her 24 grandchildren: Amanda (Todd) Bobzien, Allison (Andrew) Farwell, Sara (Ryan) Sedlak, Andrew (Autumn) Early, Lissy Early, Kaitlin (Zane) Taylor, Caroline (Jared) Brawner, Molly (Brad) Groening, Emily (Stacy) Kavanaugh Salter, Abby Kavanaugh (Nathan Beach), Niki (Shaun) Wieman, Lucy (Frank) Reardon, Luke Carter, Maddi Carter, Will Carter, Madison May (Kyle) Wolf, Matt May, Dylan Trujillo (Joleen Hobden), Collin Trujillo, Makenzey Trujillo, Tate Christian, Ava Christian, Harrison Early, and Savannah Early and 42 great-grandchildren.

Her warmth, spirit, and dedication to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Karen is survived by her sister, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous friends who cherish her memory.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and services will begin at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.   Burial will be in the St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Baring, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice in her honor.  Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.