Claudell Kay Metzger

Our deeply loved mother, Claudell Kay Metzger (Ellis), returned to the loving arms of her heavenly Father on May 8th, 2026. She passed away at her daughter’s home in Gresham, OR surrounded and cared for by her devoted children, and son-in-law. Complications associated with Alzheimer’s dimmed her memory and challenged her very being.

Claudell was born on May 1st, 1934, in Troutdale, OR to Edna Ellis (Bramhall) and Charles Ellis. Her birthday was always a fun day. As children, she taught us to think of others and her birthday was no different. We collected handfuls of flowers, crafted paper cones and surprised neighbors and friends with nosegays on their front door handle, to celebrate May Day!

Growing up, Claudell loved playing with her beautiful dolls and bike riding with her sister, Shirley, and friends. Known for being lighthearted, cheerful, and energetic, she gathered friends wherever she went. While attending Troutdale Grade School, then Gresham Union High School, Claudell flourished as a positive and resilient student. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Oregon and studied pre-nursing. On a summer break, she met her future husband, A.W. “Bud” Metzger, and her priorities quickly shifted to marriage and raising a family.

After the untimely death of her husband in 1975, Claudell revived her interest in nursing and obtained a Registered Nurse Degree from Mt Hood CC in 1985. A naturally gifted caregiver, she enjoyed working in clinical and hospital settings in and around the Portland-Gresham area.

In 2005 Claudell could no longer resist her desire to travel and set off for Riyad, Saudi Arabia. She found incredible fulfillment exploring a new culture, traveling in and around the Middle East, and making new friends along the way. Her work with veterans at the Royal Saudi Air Force Hospital in Riyad was a profound and humbling experience that she was very proud of. She retired from nursing in 2005.

Wanting new and different experiences, Claudell found purpose and enjoyment volunteering with the Gresham Historical Society, Snow Cap, and her church. An avid outdoorswoman, she loved day hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, and rafting in Central Oregon. With a trusted friend, she walked The Camino de Santigo in Spain and celebrated her 80th birthday on a camel ride in the Atlas Mountains of Mocco. A fiercely devoted mom and grandmother, she was always available for visits, hugs, and lots of cheering!

Her passion and interests were many. On her beloved family farm, Sunnyhill, she was an accomplished gardener and orchardist, enjoyed tole painting and furniture restoration, interior decorating, canning, sewing, and helping neighbors with animal care duties. She frequently entertained friends and family, finding comfort and purpose in a single simplified way of being.

While we feel tremendous anguish, we are grateful for the legacy she leaves and the hope that springs eternal. Claudell is survived by her children: Diana M McIntire (Joe), Spokane, WA; Timothy A Metzger, Oregon City, OR; Lindsay P Metzger, Oregon City, OR; and Melanie K Marcus, Gresham, OR. She leaves behind a brilliant, loving, adventurous coalition of ;grandsons; Brendan A McIntire (Ashley), Duvall, WA; Brett L Marcus, Portland, OR; Daniel J Marcus (Caitlin), Donald, OR; Jacob D Metzger (Ty), Bloomington, IN; Scott E Metzger, Cambridge, OH; and three great grandchildren: Waylon A McIntire, 9 yo; Callie S McIntire, 4 yo; and Ivy J Marcus, 2 yo.

Claudell is survived by her loving sister, Shirley J Loeffel, McMinnville, OR; and adoring brother, Charles “Richard” Ellis (Sharon), Lake Havasu, AZ. A brother, William (Bill) Ellis, preceded her in death. She was a caring, fun aunt to her nieces and nephews who reside in Oregon, Washington, Tennessee, and California.

A celebration of Claudell’s remarkable life will be held on June 6th, at 11am at Gresham United Methodist Church, Gresham, OR. Private disposition at a later time.

*In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to:

Gresham Historical Society

Troutdale Historical Society

Gresham United Methodist Church

Eden Hospice