JoAnn Ruth Metzger

JoAnn Ruth Metzger passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2022, at the age of 90 years, surrounded by her family in her final days. She is survived by her children Dr. Edward (Nancy) Metzger, Dr. William (Patricia) Metzger, Joseph (Tricia) Metzger, Jeanette (Stephen) Bolin, Daniel (Julie) Metzger, Frances Metzger (Urbina), Lee Ann (Kevin) Burk, Amy Metzger, Paul (Lisa) Metzger, son-in-law John Allison. She is also survived by grandchildren Kate Allison, Lucy Allison, Edward (“Lee”) Metzger III, Eric Metzger, Katie Metzger Frizzell, Claire Metzger Haysley, Jon Metzger, Bryan Metzger, Ben Metzger, Joseph Metzger, Carly Metzger, Josie Hammon, Lincoln Hammon, Rachel Bolin, Stephanie Bolin, John Bolin, Patrick Metzger, Shane Metzger, Josie Metzger McCormick, Robert Urbina, Tyler Urbina, Nathan Burk, Alex Burk, Daniel Burk, Stephen Metzger, Charlie Metzger, 13 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband Edward Metzger Sr., children Mary Katharine Allison and Stephen Metzger, parents Arthur and Viola (nee Hukill) Mertes, siblings William Mertes, Jean Eisenman, Marian Winters, and cousin June Morrison.

Born on October 11, 1931, JoAnn was raised in Ludlow, Kentucky. Her strong Catholic faith guided her throughout her life. She attended St. Ann Church and School and was a 1948 graduate of Academy of Our Lady of Providence, enjoying her yearly high school reunions for the next 70 years. Edward Leo Metzger became her husband on May 31, 1954 and they were blessed with 11 children during their 46-year marriage. They lived in Newport until 1962 until they built a larger home in Fort Wright to accommodate their growing family. In 1975, the family of twelve moved to the Metzger “Hi Acres” property in Fort Wright, where JoAnn lived until the end of her life. She was a faithful member of St. Agnes Church for 59 years. JoAnn and Ed were committed to Catholic education, sending their children to St. Agnes, Covington Catholic, and Notre Dame Academy. She was a loyal member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. JoAnn loved reading, gardening, travel, bourbon cocktails, spending time with her loved ones, and hosting countless gatherings at the Metzger home. Truly the family matriarch, JoAnn will always be remembered as a loving, supportive, wise, and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Visitation is Friday, January 14 from 9:00 - 10:45 am at Middendorf Funeral Home, Ft. Wright KY. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am at St. Agnes Church, Ft. Wright, KY. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell KY.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Agnes Conference of St. Vincent DePaul or St. Agnes Church. Checks may be mailed to 1680 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Wright KY 41011. Online SVdP donations at www.svdpnky.org/donate. Online condolences may be made at www.middendorf-funeralhome.com.