In a moment of sudden crisis, Alana Renee VanMeter, 15, of Genoa passed on September 3, 2025 due to a pulmonary embolism. She was born on August 26, 2010 in Rockford to Adam and Sarah (Allen) VanMeter.

As a baby she loved all music, but the soundtrack of Brother Where Art Thou and Zac Brown's Band "As She's Walking Away" put her sleep immediately. In 2013, she became a proud big sister to Allison Kay VanMeter. She grew into a sassy, determined, independent and way too intelligent little girl.

As she transitioned to elementary school, she loved music, dance, theater, reading, and camping with her family. She joined the Girl Scouts where she was challenged to step outside of her comfort zone. In 4th grade she developed a never-ending obsession with Greek Mythology and a desire to support and protect those around her that struggled with the ups and downs of childhood.

As she attended Genoa Middle School, she found herself one of the best friend groups any girl could ask for. She continued her love of music by learning guitar, attending several rock concerts, including her favorite band, Halestorm. Her love of music was on full display in the middle school jazz band and choir. She found her way onto the stage in drama Her acting abilities were so well known that in 8th grade she was invited to join the high schoolers for One Stoplight Town as Emma. She was involved in the art club, impact club, tech club and archery. In sixth grade, she discovered her true passion for helping animals while volunteering at a cat foster home.

As she started High School, she decided to reconnect with her love of dance by joining the dance team and performed as the lone color guard in the marching band. Her love of music continued as she sang with the high school choir and went to see Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper. Alana planned on attending Rockford Career College to get her certification as a Veterinary Technician

Alana was a devoted girlfriend to Micheal and beloved friend to Tristan, Brock and Breyden.  She will be missed by Neveah, Lou, Aiden, Kaydence, Gigi and many more. She was embraced as a niece to Shasta Goff and Chris Jenners and Mike and Amanda Cortese, Loved as a cousin to Dave and Dom Goff and Natalie and Tanner Cortese.

She will be greatly missed by her paternal grandparents Val Minson and Laurie DeVries, Her maternal grandparents Tammy Walker, David and Daisy Allen, half sister Fin Allen, Aunt Jessica (Michael) Salisbury, Aunt Autumn Neale, Uncle Bruce VanMeter, and an army of cousins and second cousins.

But most of all she will be missed by her Father Adam VanMeter, Mother Sarah VanMeter, and Sister Allison VanMeter.

Her Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, Sept. 13th from 1:00-4:30 PM at the CrossWind Community Church, 13100 Cherry Road in Genoa, IL.   There will be a time to share memories starting at 4:30-6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to the family for a scholarship fund that will be started in Alana's name.

To sign the online guest book or write a special memory - go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com