Mary Ellen Van Atta, age 89 of Lake Lure, died Monday, January 7, 2013 at Willow Ridge Nursing Center. A native of Seneca, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Gladys Huber Koons. She was a home maker.

She is survived by her three sons, John Robert Van Atta of Grenwich, CT, R. Lewis Van Atta of Livermore, CA and Matthew E. Van Atta of Decatur, GA; and four grandchildren, Lucy Rose Van Atta, Fernanda Van Atta, Noah Van Atta and Robert Van Atta. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ernest Van Atta.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Arthritis Foundation.