Obituary

Ernestine M. Metzler, 89, died Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in the care of her family and her dear friends of Kidron Bethel Healthcare Center.

She was born Feb. 20, 1925, to Joseph and Madeline (Zimmerman) Moos in Menlo, Kansas. She married the love of her life, Samuel E. Metzler on June 5, 1943, in Colby, Kansas, where they made their home before moving their family to Newton, Kansas, in 1963. Ernestine and Sam were married 61 years before Sam's death on April 22, 2004. Ernestine was a homemaker who shared her passion for life with her seven children, 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was an accomplished artist, and she blended this talent with her love of the outdoors. Many of her oil paintings represented beautiful natural landscapes. She and Sam shared a love of camping, hiking and biking. Together they hiked the Grand Canyon three times, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a whitewater rafting trip to Taos, New Mexico, where they navigated expert-level rapids with their apprehensive children.

Ernestine and Sam were owners of Metzler's Service Center, an iconic Newton business, from 1963 until their retirement in 1985, when they moved to Mesa, Arizona. In addition to managing the home, Ernestine worked at the family business, at Dillon's bakery, and cared for her many grandchildren.  Their retirement years were robust: in addition to their outdoor activities, Ernestine and Sam were enthusiastic square-dancers. Ernestine, an accomplished seamstress, took pride in crafting matching dance outfits for the two of them. She was also an avid reader with a life-long love of learning, a legacy she and Sam extended to their family.

She is survived by sons, Phillip Metzler, Sam Metzler Jr. (wife, Patricia), Tom Metzler (wife, Aimee), and Randy Metzler (wife, Robin); and daughters, Karen Schneweis (husband, Bill), and Anne Brockman (husband, Jim).  Preceding her in death was husband, Sam; brothers, Joseph Moos, Jim Moos and Bill Moos; sister, Dorothy Moos; and her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Gina Metzler.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel in Newton with a time for gathering at Camp Hawk immediately afterward.  Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or the Newton Fire/EMS Department, and sent to Petersen Family Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, KS 67114.