Kay Helen Mettes

Kay was born on May 27, 1937 to Galvin and Lillian (Hellyer) Wilson. Kay grew up in Hocking County, OH with her parents and siblings.

As young women, Kay and her sister, Anne, moved to Columbus, OH together to find better opportunities. They were best friends, confidants and a constant source of love and support for one another throughout their lives.

In 1964, Kay was married to Harry Riggle. They built a house in Worthington Hills, which Kay owned for the rest of her life.

After Harry’s death from cancer in 1975, Kay lived alone and continued to work in Columbus.

In Jan. 1983, Kay married David Garth Mettes. They were devoted to each other and lived in Kay’s Worthington Hills house. Kay Continued her career in Office Management and as an executive secretary.

In 1988, Kay and Dave moved to the Los Angeles, CA area for his employment opportunity and Kay soon accepted employment with Majestic Realty Company in Industry, CA. Kay always said they felt their time in CA was an adventure, so spent many weekends traveling around the state and enjoying their time there.

After retiring in about 1996, Kay and Dave moved back to her home in the Columbus, OH area.

Both before and after retirement, Kay enjoyed traveling with Dave throughout the US and to many other countries. She had many fond memories of their travels, especially the many times they visited New York City, where they spent their 25th wedding anniversary.

Kay also enjoyed spending time with both her family and Dave’s family. She hosted many get togethers and holiday celebrations, creating cherished memories for many family members. Kay also enjoyed visiting her sisters and family members in the Logan area, often staying with her sister, Marianne. Kay treasured every moment spent with family – whether enjoying peaceful country drives, taking in the beauty of Hocking Hills, or simply sharing time together.

Kay took a special interest in her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always encouraging them to be their very best. Her special times with them were filled with love, laughter and precious memories that will be treasured for a life time. These times reflected the warmth, loyalty, and devotion Kay gave so freely to the people she loved.

Kay was deeply devoted to her mother and during many years before her passing, Kay and her sister, Anne, lovingly cared for her in their homes, ensuring she was surrounded by comfort, dignity, and love.

During Kay’s battle with cancer, she was supported by her many family members with thoughtfulness and love. Their visits, calls and best wishes were much appreciated and comforting to Kay. Especially important was the almost daily presence and care provided by Kay’s loving husband, Dave, Step-daughter, Christi, Kay’s devoted sister, Anne, and niece, Gina. Their love, dedication and caring support were a special blessing to Kay during those challenging days.

Kay is survived by her beloved husband, Dave and her sisters Anne Wirth, Marianne Brooks, and Judy Helber, as well as Dave’s daughters Sherrie (Ken) Bradley, Christi (Brian) Williams, and Lisa (Todd) Lower and their children: Jennifer, Theo, Andrew, Jessica, Rebecca Kay, Tyler, Jordan, Jackson and Anna; Stepdaughter Terra Kaye (Barry); and Kay’s many cherished nieces and nephews, including Gina Stelzer who was so helpful to Kay and Dave in their later years and during Kay’s final months.

Kay was predeceased by her parents, siblings: Robert Wilson who died in WWII, Ruthie Schultz, Richard Wilson, Jean L. Jones, and Kay’s stepdaughter, Pam Hobart.

Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 North High Street, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kay’s name to the American Cancer Society.