Judith Kay Metzger, born to Vearl and Martha Reid Metzger on March 17, 1940, in Richmond, Indiana passed away on July 5 2023 after a short illness. Judy was proceeded in death by her parents, her grandparents, her sister Vearlene Gettelfinger, her best friend Mary Lou Thomas, her brother-in-law Keith Gettelfinger and former brother-in-law Charles Richard Combs.

She is survived by her sister Macy Elaine Metzger, New Paris, Ohio. Also surviving are seven nieces and nephews, their spouses & families: 16 great-nieces & nephews and 5 great-great nieces & nephews: Sue (Combs) and James "Gar" McFadden, son Jeremy & Brittany McFadden, Richmond, IN; Brian Franklin Combs, New Paris, OH; Jan (Gettelfinger) and David Flynn of Ireland, IN, children Megan and Travis Hoffman & children, Madison and Austin Foster & children, Michael Flynn and Mitchell Flynn; Christopher and Danielle (Cook) Combs, of West Manchester, OH, children-Ethan Abelquist & Family, Tristan & Abby Abelquist, Thor Abelquist; Jo Ellen (Gettelfinger) and David Brecht, of Ann Arbor, MI, children Nathan, Corinne, and Adam Brecht; Jill (Gettelfinger) and Dan Scherry, of Santa Claus, IN and children Samuel, Sydney and Simon Scherry; Amy Rose (Gettelfinger) and Tommy Thornton Celestine, IN, children Cody & ClaireThornton and Corrine & Nolan Kinnett & children. Judy loved cousins, friends, neighbors, and family, many who in her last months visited and shared support and care in her illness.

Judy graduated from Jefferson High School in New Paris Ohio in 1958 where she had lived most of her life. Judy went to nursing school in Danville, Illinois and graduated in 1961 as an RN. Judy's lifelong career as a nurse was in service to others, in her early career, she was a maternity nurse in Chicago, Illinois at Saint Frances Cabrini Hospital for 10 years. She enjoyed her early nursing career, helping babies and mothers get a solid start. In those years when she visited on holidays, her young nieces and nephews loved her stories of Chicago. Soon she left Chicago and returned to New Paris as an RN at Friends Fellowship and later worked at the Richmond State Hospital. She provided excellent care for her patients; often she stayed with a dying patient, holding their hands and comforting them in their last hours. Judy completed a bachelor's degree, she loved nature travel, and visits with family & friends.

After retirement Judy loved birdwatching, working in her yard, growing native plants and flowers. She enjoyed sitting on her porch and talking to all of her neighbors. She never met someone she didn't have a conversation with. Judy often helped people that were in need that she did not even know. She always wanted to help anybody and everybody. Not only was she willing to help people, she would also help animals in need because of her love for her cat friends. She made many special friends throughout her life. One of her most caring acts was to send everyone she cared about a card for all occasions and some of those cards were looked forward to by many. She kept every card that was ever sent to her by her family and friends. The love she showed to those she cared about will be missed by all.

Please join us on Friday July 14th to solemnly recognize her death in an 11:00 am mass at St. John Catholic Church in New Paris, Ohio where she was a member. The burial of Judith and Martha Metzger's cremains will follow in Spring Lawn cemetery in New Paris. A luncheon celebrating Judy's life will be open to friends and family beginning at approximately 12:30 p.m. at St. John, following the services at the cemetery. The funeral arrangements are provided by Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary, in Richmond, IN. In Judy's honor please support friends, family, and the charities of your choice.