Myrleen "Mert" Joan Rieske Kelly Obituary (1938

Myrleen “Mert” Joan Rieske Kelly, age 79, passed away May 16, 2017. She was born February 9, 1938 in Provo, Utah to Max and Hortense Rieske. She learned her lifelong work ethic of never giving less than her best, starting on her parent’s farm in Provo. She graduated from Provo High School in 1956. She went with a childhood friend to Panama City, Florida in 1958 to work. While there, she met the love of her life – Michael L. Kelly. They were married on July 19, 1958 in Provo, Utah. Mike was in the military and they spent the next 22 years moving around the country. She raised and supported their family while Mike served two terms in Vietnam. After his retirement in 1979, they moved to Utah where they shared many years hunting, fishing and camping. She was an amazing seamstress, who took such great pride in being a perfectionist when it came to her sewing. She spent many years doing upholstery, then she worked the last ten years or so sewing medical bags for Watts bags. She was also the go to person for mending, repairs, blanket edging and eagle project help. She was a big supporter and participant of the Alanon and AA programs. As she was helped by the program, she was always striving to help others. She met many wonderful friends there. After Mike’s passing in 1998, she began collecting Angels as a physical reminder of the Angels she felt were always surrounding her and giving her comfort and guidance. She may not have been very religious, but she was very spiritual. She is survived by her 3 children, Michael (Cindy) Kelly, Kerry (Chuck) Elmer and Curtis (Marnae) Kelly. She is also survived by a brother, Kent Rieske and a sister, Loretta McClure, 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Hortense Rieske, and the love of her life, Michael L. Kelly. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. Friends may call from 9:30-10:50 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Utah Veterans Memorial Park & Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com.