Merreta M. "Mert" Vanalstine, 83, passed away August 22, 2009 at Hester Care Center, Wesley Towers, Hutchinson.

She was born January 12, 1926 at home in Sylvia, Ks, the daughter of Jesse and Farrah Young Keesling. Mert worked at Hutchinson National Bank for 40 years, serving 20 years as the secretary in farm management retiring in 1994.

She was a member of First Congregational Church and a volunteer at Hutchinson Hospital working in the Gift Shop.

On June 3, 1946 she married Melvin E. Vanalstine in Hutchinson. He preceded her in death on July 16, 1997.

Survivors include; a son, Kurt Vanalstine and wife Betty of Hutchinson, two granddaughters, Kari Vanalstine of Albany, N.Y. and Krysti Buckallew and husband Glenn of Hutchinson, two great grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett Buckallew, a brother, Harold Keesling and wife LaVerna of Kansas City and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters Evelyn and Winona.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Elliott Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Tim Adrian presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to Promise Regional Medical Center Auxiliary in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal message for the family.