Dorothy Metzler

Dorothy Maye Metzler was born May 17, 1926, in Gem Kansas to Josephine and Clarence Ziegelmeier. She attended the Gem Public Schools graduating in 1943. She went to Denton, Texas where she attended Texas State College for Women. She returned to the Gem area and taught classes in a one-room schoolhouse. On April 30, 1948, she married James L. Metzler. To this union were born three children, Sharlyn (Lionel) Prokop of North Platte, NE; Jeffrey (Kaye) Metzler of Lincoln, KS; and Roger (Maris) of Sugarland, TX. Dorothy’s house, which she affectionately dubbed Comanche Hill, was always the center of activity for her family. Birthdays, BBQ’s, sleepovers, sewing lessons, and holidays were all attended and celebrated with family gatherings. She played the harmonica entertaining the family with many tunes. A favorite pastime of the family was playing pinochle which all the grandchildren were taught to play at an early age. Dorothy had many varied interests and was actively involved in the activities of her children and grandchildren. She was a 4-H leader, Brownie Scout leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, and followed sporting activities of the Colby Eagles. She spent many hours sewing, crocheting, and making all types of crafts. She also enjoyed bowling on a league for many years. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, VFW Auxiliary, the Colby Methodist Church, the Tri-Four Pinochle Club, and volunteered with the RSVP. As a young girl, Dorothy had dancing in her feet and always wanted to learn tap dancing. At the age of 59, she began her dancing lessons which she spent many hours through the following years practicing her new routines and preparing for recitals. Her family enjoyed attending her activities as she fulfilled her dream of dancing. She continued dancing for many years. In January, 2012, Dorothy moved to North Platte with her daughter and family. She enjoyed her time with the family activities and especially weekly trips to the bowling alley for league play. In spite of automatic scoring machines, she preferred to keep score for the team members on a piece of paper. The family spent many hours playing various games and especially pinochle which she was now teaching to the third generation. During the last three years amidst some medical problems, Dorothy’s smile, humorous antics and flirtatious wink continued to win the hearts of those who cared for her. Her private caregiver, Vickie, brought her great joy and loving care as they shared many hours together. On February 9, 2017, our precious Dorothy from Kansas clicked her heels and went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was preceded in death by her husband James, her infant twin brother Donald Faye, her parents, 4 brothers, and 2 sisters. She is survived by her three children, their spouses, 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren, one sister, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.