Shirley "Byers" Metzger was born to Elvin and Ruth Byers on December 3, 1937 in Vincennes, Indiana. (She loved her second Dad, Jim Green, and always thought and referred to him as Dad). Shirley spent her childhood in Vincennes growing up with her sisters Betty and Carolyn.

She married Ron Metzger in July of 1978 at the Lebanon Court House. It was a special day, Jerry and Peggy, witnessed their vows. They were married for 25 years and shared children, grandchildren and their extended families.

Shirley was so proud of the fact that all of her children received years of higher education. She always had a smile for everyone, maybe a joke or two, and that twinkle in her eye!. Her greatest attributes were her sense of humor, her great love for her family, and her personal relationship with Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

A special tribute to our Momma from Jerry, Monica, Janice and Diane.

Who was she? Well, when we got a gift or a card it read, "Love Momma". Not Mother, not Mom, but Momma.
Accomplishments? Four children. Four that learned about Jesus as toddlers. We were given the seeds to our salvation early.

Four that learned to survive. Times were not always easy, yet we saw first hand what it means to persevere. She just did what she had to do when she had to do it. She ached when we took a punch; she beamed when we bounced back.

Four that can laugh. When times were toughest she used humor the most. Always a quip or a crack to lighten the moment. She could laugh at herself or us and we can laugh at one another. Each of us may lack something; none of us lack a sense of humor. We loved that in her and enjoyed it in one another.

She raised four that knew they were loved. She said it, she did it, and we learned it. We're not close by accident; we were shown how to love.

She raised four with pride. She was proud of us. If you knew her you heard how proud she was (too often probably). We became proud that she was proud of us. Yet, she seemed surprised that we were proud of her. A woman that raised four kids through though times that could laugh, love, persevere and pray. What's not to be proud of? It's not that we always thought she was a perfect mother. But now that we're parents ourselves, we know better how elusive that perfection is.

And in the end her greatest gift to us, her salvation. She made it clear, Jesus was her savior and she was going to be with him. She went peacefully and unafraid. What a comfort to us!

We will miss her terribly. Her laugh, her cracks, her love. But only for a short time, and then we will enjoy her again in eternity.

Thanks Momma. We Love You! God Bless!