Marthalyn "Marty" Kistler, age 89, of North Canton, passed away Sunday morning, October 30, 2016 in the Pines Nursing Home in Canton. She was born January 6, 1927 in Malta, Ohio to Dr. William Russell and Marie (Dunnington) Sears.

Marty was a 1949 Cum Laude graduate of Miami University with a double major in Music and Mathematics. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and Phi Beta Kappa Society. Following college she taught School and directed music at Cherry and Plain Center Schools. Mrs. Kistler was passionate about her faith life and music. She was a devoted church musician playing piano and directing choirs at Calvary, Northminster and John Knox Presbyterian churches. She shared a love for lifelong friendships through her bridge club of Miami University classmates from 1949 until 2010. Marty also delivered meals on wheels for more than 30 years.

Marthalyn married her husband of 67 years, Robert Kistler on Christmas day in 1949; he preceded her in death in 2015. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Bryan Seekely of Highland Heights; sons and daughter-in-law, Rob and Mary Kistler of Hudson, Jon Kistler of North Canton; grandchildren, Kevin and Brett Seekely, Darren, Maria and Logan Kistler, McCarthy and Isabella Kistler; sister Phoebe Strahler of Atlanta, Georgia. Preceded in death by a brother, Dustin Sears.

Calling hours will be Thursday 4-7:00 p.m. at the Arnold Funeral Home in Canton. Funeral Services will be Friday 11:00 a.m. in John Knox Presbyterian Church with Rev. Tom Houston officiating. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday 10-11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to John Knox Presbyterian Church. Condolences may be left at www.arnoldfuneralhome.com

(Arnold-Canton 330-456-7291)