James "Ralph" Metz

A memorial service honoring the life of James (Ralph) Metz will be held Friday, February 11, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, 3405 S. Arizona Avenue Chandler, AZ 85248 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Ralph passed away February 4, 2011 at his daughter"s home in Chandler at the age of 97. Ralph was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia May 25, 1913 to James Albert Metz and Minnie Irene Metz (nee Marlowe). The family moved to White Cottage, Ohio when Ralph was 13. In 1940, Ralph and his wife Virginia and their daughter Virginia (Jimmi) moved to Arizona because of Jimmi"s health. Ralph owned and operated Metz Pump Service in Mesa, Arizona for many years before retiring to Quartzsite, Arizona. While living in Quartzsite, Ralph was head cook at the Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA) for over 25 years. He also volunteered at the Salvation Army Thrift Store and one of his many delights was ringing the bells in December soliciting donations for the Salvation Army. As part of his retirement Ralph also enjoyed teaching others to play the harmonica and he participated in many jam sessions during the winter season. He and Virginia also spent many summers traveling back to White Cottage to see family and friends. Throughout his adult life Ralph was involved in many church activities including teaching crafts at Bible School and participating in Awana. Ralph is survived by his sister Alda Tignor, of White Cottage Ohio, daughters Virginia "Jimmi" Smith (Ron) of Gilbert Arizona and Emily Spencer of Chandler Arizona, grandson Ron Smith, Jr.(Sveta), granddaughters Leah Spencer-Ford (Aaron) and Carrie Smith, niece Prudence Glenn, great-niece Naomi Wirts (James), and great-granddaughter Alexandra Ford. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 76 years Virginia Metz and sister, Hazel Wells. A memorial service honoring Ralph will be held Friday, February 11, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, 3405 S. Arizona Avenue Chandler, AZ 85248 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Falconer Funeral in Gilbert. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army.