Karen Ariel Wahl, born April 14, 1948, passed away on August 1, 2019 in Monett. She was a creative, fierce, caring animal protector who lived life on her own terms. She died peacefully after an eight-month battle with kidney cancer. Though raised in Connecticut, Ariel's maternal grandparents were from Callao, MO, in Macon Country, and she spent the past 25 years in the Joplin area.

Ariel held a B.A. from the University of Houston and M.A. in Education from the University of Texas. Her teaching career started in Texas and Arizona before she settled near Joplin. Ariel retired from Crowder College, in Neosho, MO, where she was a Training Developer and Instructor. Before her death, she was a Personal Care Assistant in Neosho. Ariel shared her home in Rocky Comfort with her family of rescue animals.

Ariel was predeceased by her parents, Margaret Dunham and Robert Arnold Wahl, of Stamford, CT; friends, Dave and Peggy Divers, of Cassville, MO; beloved aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her siblings and their spouses: Rolly and Linda Wahl, of Mill Valley CA, Christine and Mike Billone, of Knoxville, TN and Naperville, IL; Roger and Joy Wahl, of Augusta, GA, Robin and Kevin Withers, of Springfield, MA, Candelin Wahl and George Thabault, of Burlington, VT; nieces and nephews and their families; aunts, Patricia D. Hunt, of Kennett Square, PA, Dr. Rosemarie Wahl Tumlinson, of San Antonio, TX; many cousins and their children. Ariel leaves her best friend, Cindy Martin, and Cindy's daughter, Ashlee Dodson, of Neosho.

The family will hold a celebration of life service at Rocky Comfort Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 28.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Ariel's name to one of these animal rescue organizations: Haven of the Ozarks; Unleashed Pet Rescue/Adoption.

Cards and/or online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.