Arline (Metzer) Eckart

Although her life was filled with countless experiences that touched her heart and soul, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Arline Eckart than being surrounded by the loved ones she cherished more than life itself. She was selfless in her compassion for others, and her devotion to her family was unmatched and easy to see. Arline loved being a mother, but as a grandmother she truly shined. Someone who always liked to look just so, she had a certain sparkle about her and a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. A gift in the lives of those around her, Arline will be deeply missed and forever treasured by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Nearly a century has passed since our nation entered into WWI in 1918. Despite President Woodrow Wilson declaring that America was “too proud to fight,” repeated hostile and noncompliant acts in the Pacific left us with no choice but to engage in the fight for the preservation of the freedoms that we all enjoy today. This same year was a year to remember in the lives of a young couple from Crow Wing County, Minnesota, for a much different reason as they celebrated the birth of their healthy baby girl on August 12th. Arline Thelma was one of 11 children born to her parents, James and Nora (Hammett) Cofield, and she was raised in the family home alongside her siblings. She was a typical young girl of her generation who was a student at local schools. Arline left school during her eighth grade year, however, as she was needed to help out around the home and also to work, which was not uncommon as the dark days of the Great Depression set in.

New and exciting changes were in store for Arline while at a dance hall one fateful evening. While there she met a handsome young man named Noel Metzer, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, the sweethearts were married. Both Arline and Noel were thrilled to welcome five children including James, Ronald, Douglas, Richard, and Janet into their hearts and home.

For years Arline and Noel raised their family in Brainerd, Minnesota, where in the forties Arline was the owner of a general store. When a job opportunity brought Noel to Kalamazoo, the family moved to Plainwell, Michigan. When her children were a bit older, Arline went back to work. For a time she worked at Harrison’s True Value, and she was also a waitress at Ike’s Restaurant, which is now the Plainwell Diner. In fact, she even cleaned houses for a while in order to help make ends meet. In 1970, Arline’s world was put in a tailspin when her 18 year old daughter was killed in a car accident as things were just never the same. Although her marriage to Noel ended in divorce after 42 years, she was always grateful for the children they shared.

Open to love again, Arline met Arley Wallace while wintering in Arizona, and they soon married. They lived in his home in Utah for five years until his death. Arline then moved back to her family in Minnesota. She found love for a third time with Clayton Eckart, and they were married for several years before his death.

Over the years Arline lived an active life filled with the things she enjoyed. She loved dancing, and when she was married to Noel he played the fiddle at a dance hall while she danced. As someone with a spirit of adventure, Arline loved traveling. Among all of the amazing places she saw, her trip to Australia was one of her favorites as she talked about it often. As her family and friends can attest, Arline’s skills in the kitchen were fantastic as everything she made was well loved. She also played cribbage. Arline always made sure that she was dressed properly with her hair done just so. Her grandchildren called her the “cool grandma” since she also paid attention to keeping up with fashion trends. Forever focused on the needs of others, Arline was the one who stepped up to care for one of her siblings if they were ill or needed care in some way. Through the years she tenderly cared for several of her brothers and sisters until their deaths. While living in Minnesota Arline was cared for by her special niece, Majel Johnson, during which time they formed such a special bond.

About two years ago Arline moved back to Plainwell to be near her son, Doug, since she knew that she would one day want to be buried near her daughter. She initially lived at William Crispe Home before moving to Life Care Center of Plainwell. Even under hospice care Arline’s focus remained on the people and things that really mattered as she told her granddaughter, “If the Lord is ready, then I’m ready.”

Sharp, gracious, and compassionate, are just a few of the words that come to mind when reflecting on the life of Arline Metzer. It was easy to see the unending love she had for her family, and her tender touch reached so many who were near. A true caregiver through and through, Arline was selfless when it came to others as she did whatever she could for the ones she loved in ways both great and small. With a quick wit and unmatched sense of humor, she was so much fun to be around. Arline will never be forgotten.

Arline Metzer Eckart, of Plainwell, died on November 15, 2014, at Life Care Center of Plainwell. Arline’s family includes her sons, James (Carmen) Metzer, Ronald (Diane McGee) Metzer, Douglas (Evie) Metzer, Richard (Rosie) Metzer; 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews. Arline was preceded in death by her daughter, Janet Metzer; grandson, Chad Metzer; second husband, Arley Wallace; and her third husband, Clayton Eckart. Visit with her family on Thursday, November 20th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881) where a funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Please visit Arline’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her complete life story, archive a memory or photo and sign the guest book. Memorial donations may be directed to the family towards her headstone.