Elizabeth F. “Betty” Metzger, 87, of South Whitley, died Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

She was born Aug. 4, 1927, in Kosciusko County, a daughter of Merl and Hazel (Rathbun) Smith.

In 1946, she married James M. “Si” Metzger. They moved to South Whitley in 1955. Mr. Metzger died May 1980.

Betty worked in the public area most of her life owning and operating two restaurants and working in two grocery stores, all in South Whitley. She completed her working career at Stump’s Printing/Shindigz.

Surviving relatives include two sons: James M. (Ellen) Metzger, Humble, Texas; and Jerry M. (Anna) Metzger, Bloomington; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by twin brothers: Devon “Hap” Smith; and Doyle Smith; and a sister: Jean Snyder.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with visitation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the funeral home. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to South Whitley Cleveland Township Fire Dept.