Margaret Arloene Metzger, 98, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on March
20, 2021. One of two children, Arloene was born on October 26, 1922 in Kosciusko County, Indiana, to the
late Herman and Grace (Metzger) Fultz.
A year after graduating from Sidney High School in 1940, Arloene married her loving husband, Lester D.
Metzger on October 26, 1941. The two built a beautiful life together, raising three children, traveling, and
keeping the farm. While the children were young, Arloene and Lester enjoyed taking the kids and later the
grandkids camping. They also relished in their time traveling with Farm Seed Corn vacations. Arloene did
her part to keep the family happy and healthy. She worked at the School Lunch Program, Joyful Scribes,
Chester Township Assessor, and eventually retired as a receptionist at Peabody Retirement Community in
2005 at the age of eighty-three, all while working on the farm as well. On March 18, 2005 Arloene
experienced one of the hardest days of her life when she lost her other half, Lester. The two were married
for sixty-three years.
Arloene was the example of a strong, Christian woman, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a Godly
woman who taught those close to her the value of faith and a loving nature. Arloene was a member of
Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren in Liberty Mills, Indiana, where she also was part of the Aid Society. On
Sundays she played piano at the church as well. She was an accomplished seamstress, and when her
children were young, she made all of their clothing. Arloene was also an amazing quilter and cook. She
taught her children the value of hard work at an early age and led by example as she milked cows, raised
chickens and sold their eggs, canned, made homemade meals for the family, and helped her husband on
the land. Arloene was an incredibly strong woman who left a legacy for those around that spoke to the
importance of family, God’s amazing love, and faithfulness.
Arloene’s example and loving memories will be forever remembered and cherished by her sons, Kenneth
(Kelly) Metzger, Auburn, Indiana and Keith (Priscilla) Metzger, North Manchester, Indiana; daughter, Carol
(Rodney) Rooney, Huntington, Indiana; sixteen grandchildren, and twenty-six great-grandchildren. Arloene
is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Grace (Metzger) Fultz; husband, Lester D. Metzger; and
sister, Joan Fultz Rule.
Family and friends may call Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary,
1401 State Road, 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin on Thursday, March
25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with calling beginning at 9:00 a.m. at McKee Mortuary. Pastor Erin Huiras and Pastor
Kelly Beutler will officiate. Burial will be at Ulrey Memorial Cemetery, 2507 State Road 14, Silver Lake,
Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Arloene Metzger, memorial contributions may be made to
Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren, 103 North 3rd Street, Liberty Mills, Indiana 46946 or the North
Manchester Fellowship Food Pantry 410 North Market Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Arloene Metzger has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com