Ruth Pinnell Figg-Metz

Ruth Pinnell Figg-Metz of Austin, Texas passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of 84. She is remembered for her deep love of her sons, John & Scott, giving & loving heart, playfulness, love of animals (especially her cats), and let’s not forget…her chocolate chip cookies.

She was born on October 12, 1941, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia to Leona & Judd Pinnell. Growing up she enjoyed choir, played the saxophone in band, and was a majorette. Ruth graduated from high school in June of 1959 and later attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi and the University of Texas at Austin.

Ruth began working at the age of 11 in a concession stand at a local theater. After high school she moved to Corpus Christi with her sister Dottie and fell in love with the Texas weather and swimming at Padre Island. There, she worked at a local television station as a receptionist and was even in various commercials including one nation-wide. She moved to Austin in 1965 where she worked as an accounting clerk. The majority of her career was spent working for the University of Texas with the Department of Health and later for the Athletic Department which she later retired from.

Ruth worked hard to support her sons to make sure they had everything they needed and still always made them a priority including attending their various activities such as baseball games.

Ruth married Jack Metz on November 24, 2001 and they shared a wonderful and loving 18 years together. They enjoyed bowling, dancing, and completing puzzles. They always loved watching their grandsons play percussion at football games and various band competitions.

Ruth loved selling Mary Kay and did so for many years. She was an avid Tennis player. She really enjoyed action movies, particularly movies and shows with Chuck Norris, especially Walker Texas Ranger.

Neil Diamond was her favorite singer, and she also loved John Denver (Country Roads) & Contemporary Christian Music. She loved animals, especially her cat Missy who would rest on her lap and sleep with her at night. Ruth was an amazing cook, she would wake up extra early to make the special homemade sauce for Manicotti, Lasagna, and Spaghetti. She was best known for her world-famous chocolate chip cookies. The cookies were her care package…made with love. She always had some to share.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jack Wayne Metz; her siblings: Jimmy, Charles, Gordon, Roger, Theda Feury, Mary Hoke, Dottie Kraeer, and Norma.

She is survived by her son John Figg, son Scott Figg and his wife Donna, grandson Kyle Figg and his wife Katelyn, grandson Travis Figg and his girlfriend Spriha Dahal, and the many family members including cousins, nieces, & nephews. Ruth also leaves behind her stepson Curtis Metz and his wife Heidi, their children Olivia, Grayson, & Sterling, as well as all those she touched.

Funeral Service will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home located at 411 RR 620 South, Lakeway, Texas on Saturday, September 19th at 10:00 am.