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Thyra Louise Metzler Obituary

Thyra Louise Metzler

January 12, 1931 - May 5, 2026

Thyra Louise Metzler Obituary

Elkhart, Indiana - Thyra Louise Metzler, 95, of Elkhart, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 5, from Hubbard Hill Estates.

She was born on Jan. 12, 1931 in New Paris, to George and Mildred (Sherman) Neff.

On May 10, 1953, Thyra married Lowell Metzler, who preceded her in death on Feb. 18, 2007.

She later married Kenneth Pletcher on Oct. 25, 2015. He preceded her in death on Jan. 22, 2024.

Thyra graduated from Manchester University with a bachelor's degree in music education, and she taught music at Concord West Side Elementary.

Later she taught piano from her home, and served as accompanist to Elkhart Memorial High School choirs.

Her faith in Jesus Christ and love for music also fueled her dedication as Director of Music at Elkhart City Church of the Brethren for 27 years.

She performed as a soloist and in ensembles with Sigma Eta Music Sorority, and was a founding member of Camerata Singers.

Later she became leasing manager for Greencroft Tower in downtown Elkhart (now Hotel Elkhart) and then York Woods Apartments, working full time almost until her 80th birthday.

In her free time, she enjoyed sewing, traveling, reading, and volunteering at Ruthmere and The Lerner Theatre.

She especially loved spending time with family and friends, many times hosting events in her home.

Whether you knew her as our Mom, Grammy, Aunt Thyra, or simply "Mrs.M," she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her children, Marvin (Karen) Metzler of Union, Michigan, and Amy (Billy) Roller of Forest, Virginia; grandchildren, Nathan Metzler, Stephanie Metzler, Abby (James) Barnes, and Hannah (Ben) Bailey; and great-grandchildren, Liam and Cora Barnes, and Beau, Emma Kate and Evelyn Bailey. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sue Neff.

She was preceded in death by her parents; George and Mildred Neff; her brother, Rene Neff; husband, Lowell Metzler; and husband, Kenneth Pletcher.

Family will receive friends from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, May 18, at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd, Elkhart, Indiana 46514.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, at Beulah Missionary Church, 57595 Old County Road 17, Goshen, Indiana 46528 with Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m.

Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Beulah Missionary Church www.beulahchurch.org RETA Pregnancy Clinic and Family Resources www.retaforlife.com or Roanoke Valley Children's Choir www.childrenschoir.com.

The family expresses their deep appreciation for the excellent and compassionate care given by Hubbard Hill and Goshen Home Health and Hospice.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thyra, please visit our floral store.

Elkhart, Indiana - Thyra Louise Metzler, 95, of Elkhart, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 5, from Hubbard Hill Estates.

She was born on Jan. 12, 1931 in New Paris, to George and Mildred (Sherman) Neff.

On May 10, 1953, Thyra married Lowell Metzler, who preceded her in death on Feb. 18, 2007.

She later married Kenneth

Published on May 11, 2026

Events

Visitation

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Funeral service

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

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