Doris Mettler, 85

Doris Norene Mettler, age 85, of Sturgis, and formerly of Burr Oak, died Wednesday morning, Sept. 29, 2010, at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek.

Doris was born Feb. 3, 1925, in Coldwater, a daughter of the late Max and Edith (Goodwin) Johnson.

Doris grew up in the Coldwater area, graduating from Coldwater High School in 1943.

She married Alva Junior Mettler on Aug. 8, 1943. He preceded her in death on Feb. 10, 2010, after 66 years of marriage.

The Mettlers spent most of their married life in Burr Oak, moving to Sturgis in 1994.

Doris was an active member of the Burr Oak community, serving in various capacities in Mother’s Club, Garden Club, and other organizations. She was a Cub Scouts den mother for several years and very proud of her “boys.”

Doris was a nurturing leader in the Burr Oak United Methodist Church, serving a long tenure as kitchen manager for many church activities, including the county fair restaurant. She was lovingly known as “Auntie Doris” to the neighbor children and youngsters for whom she babysat over the years.

Doris is survived by her children, Alan (Mary) Mettler of Nashville, Rollin (Susan) Mettler of Sturgis, and Patti (Kevin) Miller of Sherwood; seven grandchildren, Kimberly (Jonathan) Book, Corey (Beth) Mettler, Elizabeth (Scott) Kraemer, Jessica Blake, Lindsay (Wesley) Wriston, Andrea Mettler, and Jason Miller; eight great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Austin, Braden, and Emily Book, Andrew, Anna and Joshua Mettler and Amelia Kraemer. She is survived as well by her beloved nieces and nephews, and by many dear friends, several she had known since childhood.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Verleata (Rapp) Goodpaster; and two brothers, Rollin and Maurice Johnson.

The family will receive relatives and friends 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Burr Oak United Methodist Church.

At 4 p.m., a memorial service celebrating the life of Doris N. Mettler will then take place with Rev. Alan Mettler officiating.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials donations in honor of Doris consider the Burr Oak United Methodist Church or the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence.  Envelopes will be available at the visitation and memorial service or any time at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon.

Private interment of the cremains will take place at later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.