Martha K Metz Gates

MARTHA K. GATES Martha K. Gates of Perrysburg, Ohio died on October 26th at Hospice of Northwest Ohio . She was born on October 16th, 1932 in Allensville, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Luther and Eleanor (Huey) Metz. She graduated from Huntingdon High School with honors. After high school she attended and graduated from Juniata College. While at Juniata she met her loving husband, John, whom she married in 1954. After graduation, Martha taught elementary school for several years in the Newark, Ohio school system. When she had children, she decided to stay home to take care of them full time. Martha was an active member of Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg for over 40 years. She often volunteered her time, most notably with Lutheran Social Services and as a docent at the historic Wolcott House in Maumee. Martha was known to be an excellent bridge player and belonged to several circles, playing often with her best friends. Martha enjoyed traveling with John through Europe and also throughout the United States. Her favorite place was the farm they had in PA. There she got to spend time with family; hosting reunions, birthday parties and holidays. Most of all Martha was a loving wife, a wonderful mother and a fantastic grandmother. Martha would spend hours reading books, singing nursery rhymes and playing games with her grandchildren. Martha will be remembered most for her beautiful smile that would light up the room or melt your heart. Martha is survived by her daughter Joyce E. (Michael) DeVito of Urbandale, IA, son John J. (Heather) Gates of Perrysburg, OH, two grandchildren Jocelyn E. Gates and John David DeVito, two sisters Betty (Donald) Smith and Louise (Karl) Westover, and brother Glen (Barbara) Metz. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John E. Gates, infant son John E. Gates, Jr., sister Joan Smucker, brothers Luther Metz and James Metz and her parents Eleanor and Luther Metz. The Family would like to express great appreciation and thanks to Hospice of Northwest Ohio and the staff at Kingston of Perrysburg. Friends will be received at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E. Indiana Ave. in Perrysburg on Saturday, November 5th. Visiting hours starting at 9:30am followed by funeral service at 11:00am. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Road, Perrysburg OH, 43551 or the Wolcott House, 1035 River Road, Maumee, OH, 43537. Arrangements are being handled by Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, Perrysburg, OH (419-874-3133).