Yvonne Deanne Metes

Yvonne Deane Metes, 88, of Frankfort, MI and Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, passed away May 24, 2025. She was born February 20,1937 in Frankfort, Michigan, to the late Ray and Marian (Hollenbeck) Holmes. Yvonne was a loving wife of over 59 years to the late Thomas Metes. She was an amazing mother to her three daughters Connie Miller, Merritt (Dan) Galla, Andrea (Mark) Wilamowski, and son, Richard Gress.

She was a proud grandmother of Cortney (Jason) Voss, Geoff (Tara) Miller, Kyle (Alex) Metes-Randolph, Stewart and Sammy Gress and was a great "Yiayia" to Brayson, Griffin, Quinn Lamb and Kinsley and Isla Miller. Yvonne is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Ray and Marian (Hollenbeck) Holmes, her brother, and her father and mother-in-law, Gust and Mary Metes.

Yvonne was a long-time resident of Frankfort, Michigan, where she lived since leaving her childhood town of Battle Creek. She graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School and attended Western Michigan University. Many people will be surprised to learn that while in college, she assisted the police as an undercover drug officer. She had plenty of fun stories to share about "sniffing out" the bad guys! She then worked as a dental assistant for a while before becoming a wonderful mother to daughters Connie and Merritt. But Oops! She wasn't done yet. Ten years later, along came third daughter, Andrea, followed by a move from Battle Creek to Frankfort, Michigan! Yvonne and Tom opened Metes' Northwood Sports Center, a local hot spot, where she let Tom believe, he was the boss and she met tons of locals and visitors of which many became lifelong friends.

Then, it happened! Her whole life changed when she started driving the school bus for the Frankfort-Elberta Area School system. Yvonne absolutely loved being a school bus driver for over 30 years. She loved the kids and the kids loved her. She was well known for what she called her "speed and efficiency" while delivering kids safely to and from school, sporting events and field trips. She had so much school spirit and "Panther Pride" that she shaved the letters FHS into the back of her hair when she drove the high school spectator bus to Frankfort's first ever state final football game at the Silverdome!

On her 85th birthday, she received over 200 cards, letters, messages and videos from kids all over the country sharing their sentiments on how she changed their lives and even their kids’ lives in one way or another.

Once she retired from driving the school bus, she began driving our father crazy again (a favorite past time of hers) as they took over Java 429, a local coffee house in Frankfort. Her outgoing and fun personality allowed her to continue meeting more new friends as she served them a cup of her homemade delicious soups and treats, something her family had enjoyed for years. Her homemade lasagna was a huge hit in the family and her ability to replicate authentic Greek foods were amazing. She enjoyed having a great Manhattan cocktail and spending time with her family. Hosting holidays and Sunday dinners were two of

her favorite things. She loved her pets and wildlife (some of which became pets) watching the sunsets in Frankfort and the sunrises in Grosse Pointe Woods, and seeing her kids and grandkids grow! She was very proud of her family!

Yvonne moved to Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan in 2018 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She spent the last years of her life enjoying family get togethers, watching Fox News, Hallmark movies, and we can't forget Kevin Costner on Yellowstone! She managed to meet most all of the neighbors and became close friends with next door neighbor, Patricia, who she considered her

4'th daughter. They enjoyed watching the birds and animals in the back yard and causing fun chaos until the day Yvonne went to be with God. We hope dad is ready because she is excited to once again, be the boss!

Yvonne was an amazing woman who was deeply loved and will be missed by so many. She wanted us to directly share with you that all the love she received is reciprocated from the bottom of her heart and "Oh, you might tell them to be sure to get their hearts checked! I can't wait to see everyone again!"

A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00pm, Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfort. A dessert reception and visit with the family will be held directly following. We encourage you to bring all your stories as we would love to hear them! Arrangements by A.H. Peters Funeral Homes & Cremation Service and Jowett Family Funeral Homes.

A second celebration of life will be hosted by Andrea and Mark Wilamowski, on June 28, 2025 at 2:00pm, in Yvonne's favorite backyard where she spent her last years at home, located at 742 N Renaud Rd, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI.