Merten Ellison Sanislo

the age of 92. He was born in Yakima on June 21, 1919 to Arthur R.

Sanislo and Lillie Mae Merten. He lived his early childhood days in

Yakima. Attended Washington State College. While in college he

married his wife of 72 years, Thelma J. Shepherd. They spent their

early married years dairy and cattle ranching and Mert was involved

in the local area rodeos. In 1958 Mert began working for the Washington

State Highway Department where he spent 23 years working on

several highways and bridges in the Central Washington area before

retiring in 1981. He spent his retirement years between his house on

Tieton Drive and Apache Junction, Arizona. Mert was a life member

of the Elks lodge and attained the 7th degree in the Cowiche Grange.

His retirement hobby was working with stained glass.

Merten was preceded in death by his son Bruce L. Sanislo

and his brother Loren L. Sanislo and his wife Elaine.

He is survived by his wife Thelma, daughter Sharon R. Beyersdorf (Paul)

in Merritt Island, Florida, daughter-in-law Rebecca A. Sanislo in Yakima,

Brother-in-law William B. Shepherd (Marge) in Yakima; seven grandchildren;

Brian A. Sanislo (Talani), Dennis B. Sanislo in Seattle, Michael O.

Beyersdorf (Julie) in Kingsport, Tennessee, James M. Beyersdorf (Harmony)

in Madison, Alabama, Howard P. Goodrich, David E. Goodrich

and Theresa L. Goodrich in Yakima; and seven great grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made to the West Valley Volunteer Fire

Department or your favorite charity.

Viewing will be held at the Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel from 4 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Funeral services will be held at the Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Concluding services and burial will follow at West Hills Memorial Park.