"We are so sorry for your loss. We can't imagine what you must be going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our Condolences Matt and Janet Schrader"
Ayzlee Maeliana, daughter of Jim and Amber (Cunningham) McCarthy, was born December 16, 2011, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa. When she entered the family, her special "McCarthy number" was 89. Ayzlee lived with her family in Elk Horn and attended Cheryl's Daycare, where she played with one of her many best friends Kenadie. Ayzlee was a "girly girl" with a big smile, an ornery streak and an infectious excitement for life. She was proud of her big girl bed and her completion of potty training. Ayzlee was a fan of Frozen, Doc McStuffins, Sophia and Dora The Explorer, as well as popular songs like "Let It Go", "All About That Bass" and "Shake It Off." Even when she was very sick, she showed a caring for others beyond her years. Following a brief illness and a diagnosis of Influenza A and B with sepsis, Ayzlee was transferred from Atlantic to Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines. She died there a short time later on Monday, December 29, 2014 at the age of 3 years and 13 days. Ayzlee is survived by her parents Jim and Amber McCarthy, brother Easton (age 10), and sister Irelynd (age 7), all of Elk Horn; grandparents: Dave and Connie Cunningham, Afton; Phillip McCarthy and Priscilla Olsen, Avoca; and Kathy and Arnold Haynes, Hancock; great grandmothers: Dona Booth, Afton; Marie McCarthy, Omaha; and Helen Stevens, Carroll; aunts and uncles: Carrie and Gale Kiesel, Avoca; Terry and LeAnne McCarthy, Walnut; Anne McCarthy, Council Bluffs; Adam Cunningham, Afton; Aric and Erin Cunningham, Earlham; numerous great aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. Ayzlee's family wishes to thank you for your kindness in word and deed and invites you to join them for lunch at church following the interment. Memorial donations in Ayzlee's name will be used to fund local activities that she enjoyed, such as park equipment. REV. KEITH MENTER, OFFICIATING Music "LET IT GO" IDINA MENZEL, RECORDED MUSIC FROM FROZEN "THE LORD'S PRAYER" REV. KEITH MENTER, VOCALIST JANELL HANSEN, PIANIST Casket Bearers GALE KIESEL DYLAN KIESEL TERRY MCCARTHY ARIC CUNNINGHAM DAN PHILLIPS Honorary Casket Bearer ADAM CUNNINGHAM Interment ELK HORN LUTHERAN CEMETERY, ELK HORN, IOWA
"We are so sorry for your loss. We can't imagine what you must be going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our Condolences Matt and Janet Schrader"
"Peace and God's grace be with you. Ayzlee is in her Heavenly home now."
"A beautiful angel is watching over you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Steve and Marie"
"There simply are no words. Just wanting your family to know that I hold you all in my daily thoughts and prayers. This is a journey no family should ever have to take. I hope you find some comfort within your faith, knowing Ayzlee is among the angels. Sliding down rainbows, jumping on clouds, singing with the other children and smiling at you from above. God bless you all."
"Such a beautiful girl, taken much too early. My thoughts are with you. Be well."
"To the McCarthy Family - our deepest sympathy. We do not know you, but many years ago Lois worked with Grandma Kathy. Our hearts go out to you. We cannot imagine the depth of your pain or the big hole in your hearts right now. But may God HOLD you in the palm of His hand and give you strength and comfort beyond measure. What a beautiful precious little girl! May you remember all the good and wonderful things she brought to your lives and forever hold them close to your heart. You are in our prayers!"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl."
"Thinking of you and your family Amber"
"such a sweet soul. I'm so sorry. My heart aches for the family. Prsyers"
"So sorry for your loss Amber and family! My thoughts and prayer are to with you during this hard time."
"I didn't know you or your daughter; I only heard about your loss through my family that lives in Atlantic. Ayzlee sounds like a wonderful little person who lived her short life to the fullest. I am so sorry for your loss; my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time."
"im so sorry for your loss God be with you and your family"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Another precious Angel is looking down upon this world."
"Words can not express how sorry I am for ur loss. Please know I am praying for u all."
"Our hearts go out to you in your time of hurt and loss. No words can express how heavy hearted your family is. God bless."
"I am so sorry for what you are going through. I'm sending prayers for you and your family Amber."
"We are sorry for the loss of your little one. Even though we do not know you we will pray for some kind of peace during this time. God bless you. Charleston, West Virginia"
"Words cannot express my thoughts coherently - but please know that you and your family are in my positive thoughts and prayers at this time."
"I do not know your family but I want you to know my deepest sympathy is with you all. Your daughter was a beautiful little girl and now she is your beautiful guardian angel. My prayers are with you all! Rest in Peace little one!"
"I never met her. I have never met you to my recollection. But my heart is touched so passionately that I cannot type these words without breaking down. I will squeeze my little one extra long today while thinking of your family's loss. No words can take away your pain, but enjoying an angel for such a short time is better than never having known her at all. You are in our thoughts and she will always be in your hearts."
"Our thoughts and prayers for strength and peace are with you now and in the days ahead. Words cannot express how very sorry we are, our hearts hurt for all of you."
"I read about Ayzlee through fb post by Christy Holloway. My heart goes out to you and your family. Stay strong. Your family is beautiful and it is easy to see they are truly loved. God bless you all."
"We wish we had words to lighten your agony but sometimes words are just not enough. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead."
"I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your lose. She sounds like she was a beautiful child and I am sure that she is a treasure in heaven. (I am Gale's cousin in Virginia.) Father God I ask that you hold Ayzlee's family in the palm of your hand. Give them peace and comfort, and give Ayzlee a bouquet of beautiful roses. Amen"
"Sorry for your loss. She is an angel wrapped in God's loving arms. Keep your memories close your heart as they will precious, as you remember all the lives she touched. Praying you will all find peace."
"My prayers go out to family and friends. You have the memories of a beautiful young lady. From the video I watch her was an amazing beautiful young lady. Your memories will last a life time. I'm so sorry she was taken so soon. She is know watching over a wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and lots of hugs too. My god bless this wonderful family and help them heal and understand there lost."
"So sorry to hear of the loss of your precious little girl. A parents' pain must be unbearable. Look to your faith, family and friends for comfort and know many people are praying and thinking of your family at this time."
"Our thoughts are with you."
"Sending our thoughts and prayers. My heart just broke hearing of this sudden loss for your family. She is and will always be your beautiful angel. Thinking of all of you! Mike, Erin, Adryan, Lauren, and Claira"
"I am so incredibly sorry to hear of your loss - my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May the memories of the love and laughter you shared with Ayzlee be comfort in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy - Kate DePinto - Hines & Associates, Elgin, IL"
"Our thoughts and prayers for the family .Please know we have been thinking of you all.Our hearts are with you all.(Hugs )"
"You are all in our thoughts and prayers!!!!"
"Jim & family - my deepest condolences, our family is praying for you all."
"So very sorry for your loss, she will always be your beautiful little Angel...."
"Always know your light will never go out, because your Spirit continues to Grow in Our Hearts."
"Amber and family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl. Hoping all your precious memories will give you comfort during this most difficult time. All you can do is take one day at a time. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy."
"I do not know the family, but I wanted to send my deepest condolences. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl. My heart is broken for you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"We wish we had the right words to ease your pain but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lori and Scott Pierce (former EU teacher)"
"My condolences to you and your family. I am very sorry for your loss. I wish the best for you all. God bless you all. With love, Raquel Bloom"
"So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Our hearts go out to all of you. She had that twinkle in her eyes that you just loved, not quite sure what was next. Our deepest sympathy."
"So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your whole family."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. She will always be smiling with you."
"left us way too soon"
"God's blessings to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Deb & James"
"Hugs and love to your family. Ayzlee will be missed!"
"Jim and family, I am so sorry for your loss. No parent should have to go through this. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers."
"No words can express how deeply sorry I am for all of you."
"Just want you to know you are all in the thoughts and prayers of many. So very sorry for you loss."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. May God bless her and hold her in his living arms. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family Anne."
"I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful Ayzlee. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"So sad to hear of your loss ..sending prayers to you and your families God Bless"
"Jim and family. So terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days."
"You are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for the loss of your precious daughter."
"I am terribly sorry for your loss. May God help you today and tomorrow."
"My deepest condolences and prayers. So sorry for you loss."
"Thinking of your family, Ayzlee is a beautiful little girl and will always be in your hearts."
"Prayers and hugs. It's never easy to lose a child. Just know u r in our thoughts."
"prayers for God's peace during this incredibly sad time."
"Although we do not know you,our hearts are filled with sorrow over your loss. Prayers from The Skellengers"
"God bless your little angel. Words cannot express the sadness our family feels for you."
"You are in our thought and prayers. We send our love and ask GOD to give you strength."
"I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. May God cradle all of you in the palm of His hand."
"We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Ayzlee. All our thoughts and prayers are with all the McCarthy family."
"Amber and family we are so, so sorry to hear of Ayzlee's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care."
"My deepest thoughts and prayers with your family through this heartbreaking loss."
"we are so sorry for your loss - prayers for your family"
"May memories of Ayzlee and the love of family and friends surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"I dont have enough words to express how sorry I am. Ayzlee is an adorable little girl and I am glad I got the pleasure of meeting and talking to her. I will never forget her cute little voice and her love for the fun loving character Olaf! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers."
"Amber and family - My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through, but please know I'm here for you."
"Jimmy, Amber and family. Please know how much you have always meant to us. We are praying for you all. Words can never express the sorrow over your loss but always know that The Father is watching over you all."
"I cannot fathom the pain you all are being forced to endure. She was taken much too soon, but I know her memory will live forever in your hearts. No footprint is ever too small to leave an imprint on this world."
"I am so sorry for your loss Amber & Jim. Losing a child is a pain I could never imagine. My heart goes out to your family during this difficult time."
"My thoughts and prayers are being sent to all of you during this sad time. Let the memories guide you thru the days to come. God Bless you all"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this gard time! I cant even imagine what you all are goin through! Shes now ur beautiful angel!"
"I am so sorry for your loss. She will be a wonderful angel looking after all of you and her happy loving spirit with you and in your hearts now and forever. My condolences, Lynne."
"We cannot imagine the pain in your hearts during this time. Please know there are many many people thinking of your family as you endure the next few days and weeks to come. Your memories will help to ease your pain. Many prayers for all. An angel walks in heaven looking down on you:)"
"Thinking of your family at this time of great loss. May the love of your family comfort you,and know you are being prayed for."
"Connie and family, Please know that others are keeping you and your family in our prayers at this difficult time. God Bless you and your little Angel Deb Angelo and family"
"So very sorry for the loss of Ayzlee!! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I can't even begin to know what you are going through!! We are here if you need anything! Love you all!!"
"Amber, Jim and family-we are so very sorry for your loss of this beautiful little girl. Our hearts and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead. Love-Stevea, Amy, Macy, Cass, and Jack"
"To Amber and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Becky, Dan, and Brian Haymond and their families"
"May God ,family and friends give you the strength to get through this. I pray that you find comfort I am so sorry for the loss of your little girl."
"Amber we are so truly sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. We will always remember the weekend at the lake with Ayzlee and our granddaughter. You will be in our thoughts & prayers for a very long time. Ric & Merrie Rominger & Chad, Stephanie & Blake Matchie"
"I am so sorry for the loss of this little girl. I hope she rests in peace."
"I am so sorry. I cannot imagine what you are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Thinking if you during this difficult time. What a beautiful little Angel. We are praying for you and your family."
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. No words will ease your pain. Ayzlee was a beautiful girl and had parents, siblings, grandparents and friends who treasured her greatly. She will live on in the hearts of many forever. Bless you all in your time of struggle. Lean on your supports and connections and never forget how loved you all are."
"Amber and family, our hearts are heavy for your loss of beautiful little Ayzlee. We will keep her and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Amy, Kari, Joyce, Cindy, Jill, Mary, and Jane."
"With deepest sympathy in the loss of this precious little angel. Thinking of all of you with thoughts and prayers during this time of loss."
"Amber & family, Words cannot express the sadness we feel in your loss of Ayzlee. We are sending you our thoughts, prayers and blessings for strength as you endure the next few days. You have our deepest sympathy. Becky, Lisa, Mary, Jamie, Suzanne, Shannon, and Jody."
"Jim,Amber,Easton & Irelynd, Our very deepest condolences to you all! May your beautiful Ayzlee always be the brightest star you see before you go to bed at night! May she be the beautiful rainbow after the storm & she will always be that beautiful butterfly that always seems to be near! Please wrap yourselves in the love & support from all your friends & family & know your never alone in your sorrow!! Love you all"
"I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful Ayzlee. My thoughts are with all of you. May all the wonderful memories you have of her ease your pain through this difficult time."
"Amber, Jimmy, Easton,and Irelynd: We are so sorry to hear the passing of little Ayzlee. She is an adorable precious girl. May God carry you through this devastating time. Your families are in our thoughts and prayers."
"We're sending our deepest sympathies to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and many hugs sent your way."
"So very sorry for your loss. God received a great little angel to help everyone on Earth. Her sweet smile will cure all. hugs and prayers to you all."
"amber jim easton irelynd and kobie..... may you all find peace when you look to the sky and see a bird fly by or that one raindrop that hits ya or when the rainbow in the sky is as bright as ever just remember thats this beautiful little lady saying hi.. ayzlee ment so much to so many different people and she showed her true colors to everyone of them....and anyone who met her fell in love with her she will forever be your #1 angel and will be truly be missed by so many......"
"My heart literally breaks for your family during this very difficult time in your life. May God be with you, bless you and hold you tight in his everlasting love."
"Amber and Family, I am so sorry for the pain you are having to endure it is not fair and not understandable. I pray that you and your family will find comfort and strength in knowing she is happy, safe and no longer sick. She is a beautiful angel with such gleam and peace she will be always and forever with each on you everyday day. With love and our deepest sympathies Candi, Jeremy, Tate and Chloe Kerrigan."
"My most deepest sympathies to the McCarthy family. May you find strength in God and knowing Azylee is with Jesus. My prayers are with you all. Amber and Anne...hugs to you..."
"You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious little one. May GOD give you strength and peace."
"We have long been part of the Brad and Amy Lampe family and love the McCarthy clan with all their "numbers". The prayers of so many people in Osceola are with you at this time. What a cutie pie. We pray that God fills you with his love and peace. Kathy and John Kooiker and family"
"We give you all our deepest heartfelt sympathies. You're all in our thoughts and prayers on this day and many more to come. Love and hugs sent your way."
"I don't want to say all things you've heard so many times the last few days. I can only say if I had a magic wand I would bring her back to you. I wish you strength."
"Dear Amber and Connie and family, My heart is heavy with sadness for you all. Ayzlee looks like a beautiful, loving little girl. May God bless you with comfort."
"My prayers are with your family and friends. I am sorry she left this earth so young but now she is in heaven with angels and is in no more pain and suffering. May god watch over her family and I will keep you guys in my prayers god bless you guys."
"As a mother myself, I can't even know how you feel. Just know you and your family are in our prayers. God bless. So sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Jill forret Des Moines, Iowa"
"God Bless You and your family. there is no Greater loss then that of a Child. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May Peace find you!"
"Sending my condolences to the family...My thoughts and prayers goes out to all of u...Know that she is singing and dancing with all the other lil Angels In Heaven"
"So Sorry for the loss of such a precious girl. May God be with you in this time of grieving. Sending prayers for you and your family. You lost a precious little Angel and may she watch over the rest of you and your family."
"Although I don't know you I know the pain of losing a child. Your life has changed forever. My heart breaks every time I hear of another family losing a child. Lean on your friends and family and your faith as much as you can. My deepest sympathies and love to your family."
"To the entire family, my heart breaks. She will be dancing in heaven just like her mom used to love doing. On behalf of all of the Cunningham family, I send our love and prayers."
"My deepest sympathy to all of you. What a difficult time this is. I am praying that God will give you moments of peace. Take care of one another."
"We are so sorry for your loss!! Our hearts break for you!! You're in our thoughts & prayers!! Hugs!!"
"We are so very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you & praying for you."