Barbara Elaine Metts

Mrs. Metts was predeceased by her husbands, W.L. (Rick) Rickenbaker and Lewis Metts. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Charlie Belle Wimberly, and her sisters, Frances Houghton, Jackie Burns, and Dorothy Graham Dodson.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Allison) Rickenbaker, Marilyn Berry, and Myra Settle. She is also survived by her grandchildren, David Rickenbaker, Philip Rickenbaker, Danielle Rickenbaker Stavely, Amber Berry Heape, Adam Berry, Janine Rominger and L. Greene-Smithwick. Her great-grandchildren include Caleb Rickenbaker, Carley Rickenbaker, William Rickenbaker, Samuel Rickenbaker, Nora Kate Rickenbaker, Brooks Stavely, Pierson Stavely, Graham Stavely, Emily Heape, Ellie Heape, and an unborn baby (Berry), Hayden Rominger and Oakley Rominger.

In addition to also being survived by a host of wonderful nieces and nephews, Mrs. Metts is survived by special friends Gloria Harrison, Julia Harmon, Jean Myers and Doris Watford. Deloris, David, Davy Oliver and Dawne Kelly were a very important part of her life, and became affectionately known as her “adopted” children.

Mrs. Metts was born on August 29, 1932 in Tice, FL. As a young woman she grew up around the Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, FL areas, and then moved to Rowesville, SC to help her beloved Aunt Minnie and Uncle Marcus Dukes. There she met her first husband, W.L., at Cattle Creek Camp Meeting in Rowesville, SC, and they were married for almost 30 years before his passing in 1977. She later met her second husband, Lewis Metts, a pastor, at a revival, and they were married for almost 43 years until his passing in 2020.

Known for her welcoming spirit, Mrs. Metts never met a stranger and made it her mission to share the message of Jesus with everyone she encountered. Her favorite hymns were "Jesus Loves Me" and "Oh Happy Day." She loved God and always felt called to a greater purpose, teaching Sunday School, Bible School and Children’s Church throughout her life. She had a special love for children, often sharing with them the spirit of Christ’s love and teaching them about the importance of knowing Jesus and of reading their Bible. Her ministry extended to young married women, where she exemplified how to be a Godly wife and mother.

Barbara Metts was often seen with a Coca-Cola in one hand and her Bible in the other. She had a fondness for ice cream, Chick-fil-A, hamburgers, and her beloved dog, Lew. She was a charming and humorous woman, whose old-fashioned values and sweet nature endeared her to everyone who knew her. Her delightful sense of humor and timeless grace brought joy and warmth to her family and many friends.

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in LaGrange, GA is handling funeral arrangements. Friends will be received at 3:00 p.m. with the service to follow at 4:00 p.m. on Thurs, June 13, 2024. The service will be officiated by Rev. Kevin Pigg and Rev. Mike Rickenbaker (her son). Graveside services will be held in Branchville, SC, with Ott's Funeral Home overseeing the burial. Graveside service to be held at Ott’s Cemetery on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Mike Rickenbaker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wellstar West Georgia Hospice at 1510 Vernon Road in Lagrange, GA, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Bibles may be donated in her memory through Gideon’s International.