Ellen Josephine Metzger

METZGER - Ellen Josephine (Barnhart), was born on August 5, 1947, in Greenville, Ohio, to Roy and Ola (Brubaker) Barnhart. In the fall of 1951 she moved to Cedar Creek, Kansas with her family. On December 24, 1967, she committed her life to the Lord and was baptized by Clyde Hirt, becoming a member of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church. She moved back to Ohio in 1969 to the Upper Twin district. During this time, she met her life companion, Mark Metzger and they were married on September 25, 1971, at her parent’s home in Kansas. Mark had previously begun his alternate (non-military) service in Pennsylvania and she moved there with him to finish his service. Mark’s commitment ended in November of 1972, after which, they moved back to Ohio and settled in the Lower Twin district. Their marriage was blessed with 1 daughter and 2 sons. They lived 32 years on the farm until moving to their current home. They had another 21 years together until Mom’s passing from this life into eternity on March 8, 2025, in their home, at the age of 77 years, 7 months and 3 days.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Dennis & Leah Metzger; brother-in-law, David Hirt; grandson, Jordan Metzger; great granddaughter, Adelyn Bowman.

She is survived by her husband; her children, Carrie (Robert) Bowman, Jonathan (Melanie) Metzger, David (Nikki) Metzger; grandchildren, Dakota (Alyssa), Brandt (Miranda) and Colton Bowman; Megan, Brendan, Logan, Tyler, Carson, Bennett and Landon Metzger; Kynlee, Kamryn, Kiptyn and Krosby Metzger; great grandchildren, Beckett and Oakley Bowman, Sadie Bowman; brothers and sisters, Carol (Dean) Brubaker, Erma Hirt, Richard (Linda) Barnhart, Linda Barnhart, Janet (Terry) Kellerman and Daniel (Judy) Barnhart; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marvin (Sharon) Metzger, Merlin (Mary Ann) Metzger, Marilyn (Ronald) Brubaker and Melvin (Rebecca) Metzger.

Mom cared deeply for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. She made lots of phone calls and sent many cards, often including a bookmark, to show her love and care. Before her health began declining in 2013, she enjoyed cooking, sewing, art and various other activities. She always liked traveling with husband/family and singing was a favorite, even to her last hour.

Considering Mom’s Alzheimer's diagnosis along with congestive heart failure, we count it a blessing that God chose to call her Home, in His perfect time. With her passing, God has closed a chapter in our lives, and she will be greatly missed, but we are so thankful that she is in heaven with her Savior.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Lower Twin Old German Baptist Brethren Church, 6715 Quaker Trace Road, Camden, OH 45311. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Lower Twin Church on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Gard Funeral Home, Eaton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.