Judith Metzger

(Sand Lake) Mrs. Judith E. Metzger, age 69, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2008. Judith grew up in Rockford and attended church with her Grandma Blackmore. Early in life she had part-time jobs, and at the age of 11, she babysat for five children after school and during the summer. When she was 15, she worked as a waitress. She and Ken hung out with other friends and spent a lot of time together, and eventually they were married on February 9, 1959. Judith was a full time homemaker who took on the added responsibility of being a teacher's aide and also worked as a store clerk at Sand Lake Viking Store. For 23 years, she held those two jobs in addition to being a homemaker. There are many family memories of picnics and rides. Judith especially liked the summers so she could be outside working in the yard. Her children and grandchildren were her "life." In January of 2000, her life changed with Alzheimer's. Her children took turns on weekends to care for her, and Judy and Duane were the primary caregivers. Sometimes she even went to work with her children and grandchildren. Her children remember their mom singing and playing the Dulcimer and guitar and teaching them to dance. Judith is survived by her children, Brian and Dare Metzger, Kenneth Jr. and Sherrie Metzger, Daniel and Holly Metzger, David and Brenda Metzger, Tim and Lisa Metzger, Sherri and Lester Dykstra, Judy Ann and Duane Howard; 21 grandchildren, four great grandchildren with another anticipated arrival; sister, Mrs. Gloria Overla; and many in-laws, including a special sister-in-law, Darlene Price, with whom she took many day trips. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth "Kenny" on November 21, 2005; her parents, Claude and Elizabeth Stuthard; a sister, Alma Stout; brothers, John Stuthard and Jim Stuthard; and granddaughter, Racheal Zachow. The service for Mrs. Metzger will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Dick Riley officiating. Interment in Elmwood Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Activity Fund at Metron of Cedar Springs. Friends may meet with Mrs. Metzger's family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com