Margaret Luann Earle

Margaret Luann was born on January 31, 1950 to Clinton and Arleen Soland in Bottineau ND. She was the second of four daughters, growing up with her sisters on the family farm near Souris ND. It was this family farm life that instilled in Margaret her love for all animals, big and small, and an appreciation for the environment, nature, and the love of being surrounded by family. There were many family gatherings and celebrations at the farm. She graduated from Souris High School in 1968 and then went on to attend Minot State College, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in History, with a minor in Political Science (Margaret always enjoyed a good political discussion). She earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

After graduation, Margaret worked for a time at the Ward County Court House in Minot and it was during this time that she met Thomas Earle and they later married on December 20, 1975. As Margaret and Tom began their new life together, along with Tom’s two sons, Tom and Dan, she decided to begin a career in the Air Force along with her husband. This led them to various locations throughout the US and abroad. She liked to travel and learn new things and embrace different cultures, proudly stating that she had visited all 50 states, the Bahamas, and Mexico and serving her country for 3 years over in

Germany, a time that she treasured and was able to be stationed near her sister, Marlene and Dennis Engstrom at the same time! She loved to take part in a good German volksmarch, which fit her personality and a love of staying active and exercising. If you ask any of Margaret’s friends or family, they would say “she was always so active”. Indeed she was; always stayed fit and active and sought adventure. She enjoyed dancing, aerobic dancing, skiing, hiking, strength training, walking and just enjoying nature. In recent years, she grew to love hot air balloon rides, especially those times in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Margaret was very proud of and loved serving her country in the U.S. Air Force, holding the rank of Major Margaret Earle at the time of her retirement. She received many commendation medals during her career, which is no surprise as she always gave a 100% to any mission she was assigned to. She was always a valiant patriot, so this was certainly a career suited to Margaret, alongside Tom. After her military career, she held positions at the Health Department and the Fire Department in Colorado Springs, and most recently, enjoyed working part time at a local elementary school, allowing her to stay active and around people. She truly enjoyed serving in all aspects of her life.

Margaret loved being a Grandma and was fortunate to live near some of her grandchildren, allowing her to be a real “hands on” Grandma and she was certainly adored by her grandchildren. Margaret was also very strong in her faith and was very involved in all church activities and enjoyed her Friendship Bible Class as well as helping in any way she could for her church and church family. Margaret and Tom made many lasting friendships over the years through their worship.

Margaret’s friends and family fondly remember her sense of humor, famous for her one line zingers and quick wit, always enjoying a good laugh and a great comedy! Margaret will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her; whatever the title she held in your life, she was always loving, devoted, loyal, and consistent. She would always reach out to those who needed her and would always “have your back”. As soft hearted as she was, she was also tough and fierce, never giving up, no matter what life threw at her. She was so very, very genuine.

Margaret was welcomed into Eternal Life on October 19th, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind her husband of nearly 46 years, Tom of Colorado Springs, and children Thomas P Earle, St. Petersburg FL, and Daniel P Earle of Tampa Florida, Crystal (Bernardo)Espinoza of Falcon, CO, 8 grandchildren, Jesse, Jordan, Diana Earle, Alicia, Alexander, Matthew, Nickolase, and Leilani Espinoza, two great grandsons, Jacob and Caleb Earle. She is also survived by her sister, Clarice Ryan of Lake Charles, LA, Christine (Jim)Zaun of Burlington ND, brother-in law, Dennis Engstrom of Crocker MO., nieces, Angela Anderson, Mackenzie Walz (Brian Holen), Kelsey Walz, and nephew, Nathan Tongate, several aunts, uncles, cousins. She is also survived by her precious fur babies, Snickers and Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Arleen Soland, grandparents, and sister, Marlene Engstrom , brothers-in-law, David Tongate, Robert Ryan.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Methodist Church 2111 Carlton Ave. Colorado Springs CO 80909. A time of fellowship and reflection will be held following the service. Cremation has taken place and burial will be at a later time.

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