Merrilee Metz Kipfer

Merrilee Metz Kipfer, 88, of Seattle, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 24, 1936, to Julia Gladys Jacobson and Richard Stanley Metz, at Providence Hospital in Everett, Washington. Merrilee graduated from Bothell High School in the top 10% of her class in 1954. She married Orville Charles Kipfer on August 12, 1962, at First Lutheran Church in Bothell, Washington. They had two children, Kimberlee and Mark. Merrilee enjoyed work and had an incredible work ethic. While still in high school, she worked part time at Bothell Chevrolet. After graduating, she worked at Helwig Butler & Associates and then Graves Chambers Company. In the early 1970’s, Merrilee went to work for the Bellevue School District, managing the front office of Highland Junior High School. She retired in 1997.

Merrilee was a loving wife and mother, amazing Grammie, caring sister and good friend. She was an incredible and selfless care giver to her husband, Orv, through his journey with MS. She was an accomplished sewer and quilter. She enjoyed her church community, church quilting group, and book club. Merrilee was a long-time member of Grace Lutheran Church, and later St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, in Bellevue. After she moved to Seattle, she was welcomed by the Queen Anne Lutheran Church community. She was an active member of the PEO HF Chapter for many years. Merrilee relished time with family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed time spent with immediate and extended family at “the cabin” on Camano Island. Merrilee was a gracious and welcoming host and an amazing cook. She enjoyed taking scenic drives with her husband, Orv, and traveling, especially after retirement. Merrilee’s special travel memories included trips to Europe and New England with her sister, Margie, and her husband, Patrick, and their friend, Patsy Hoefel, as well as several visits to Margie and Patrick’s home in Arizona.

Merrilee was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Richard Metz, her husband, Orv Kipfer, her brother, Don Metz and his wife, Carol. She is survived by her daughter Kimberlee DeJong (Eric), her son Mark Kipfer (Laurie), grandchildren Makayla DeJong (Billy Morales), Olivia DeJong, Megan Kipfer, Samuel Kipfer, sister Margie Metz Leach (Patrick), and brother Rick Metz (Vicky).

Beautiful Merrilee will forever be in our hearts!

A memorial service for Merrilee will be held at 1:00 p.m. on February 20th, at Queen Anne Lutheran Church (2400 8th Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119) with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sophia Way in Merrilee's memory.