Lynette Forbes Ellis
Metz
- Visitation: Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 12 PM – 2 PM at Brown Deer United Methodist Church (5736 W. Brown Deer Road, Brown Deer, WI)
- Service: Saturday, November 18, 2023 2 PM at Brown Deer United Methodist Church (5736 W. Brown Deer Road, Brown Deer, WI)
Lynette Forbes Ellis Metz
November 5, 1950 – October 21, 2023
RICHFIELD – Lynette died peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at StoryPoint Memory Care in Mequon, WI.
Lynette was born at home in Norfolk, VA to Mary Elizabeth (nee Forbes) and Raymond Martin Ellis. Loving wife of almost 53 years to Paul James Metz and companion to their much-loved Miniature Schnauzer, Phoebe. Mother of Jason (Tracy) Metz (West Allis, WI), Brian (Mary) Metz (Lisbon, WI), Jolene (Aaron) Last (Saukville, WI), Dr. Melanie (Andrew) Goble, DVM (Manitowoc, WI), and Kayla (Thomas) Schrage (Wildwood, MO). Proud grandmother of Army Capt. Michael (Ashley) and Air Force 2d Lt. Matthew Metz, Calvin and Andrew Metz, Samuel and Jonah Last, and David, Trenton, William, and Luke Schrage. Baby sister of Raymond “Buddy” (Diane) Ellis, Jr. and many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Mary Elizabeth Turner, Phyllis Bristol, Carol Massaway, and Christine Haddaway, miscarried child Joy, many pets, and in-laws Frances “Fay” (nee Dagelen) and Norman Metz.
“Petey” grew up in the Lamberts Point area of Norfolk, VA and attended Maury High School. She met Paul while she was a member of the Girl’s Service Organization (GSO) at the Navy YMCA and he was stationed aboard the USS Biddle (DLG-34) in Norfolk. They were married on December 19, 1970. Jason was born at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital (Portsmouth, VA) while Paul was at sea. After Paul’s honorable discharge, the young family moved to Milwaukee, WI where Brian was born that summer. Shortly thereafter, they moved into the house they built in the Town of Germantown, WI. After the life-changing miscarriage of Joy, Jolene was born, followed by Melanie and Kayla. Lynette attended Mount Mary College (now University) as a part-time student and graduated in 1993 with a BA in Theology and a BA in Behavioral Science. Several years after graduation, she studied for one year in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) with the hope of becoming a hospital chaplain.
Lynette was a force full of life and love for others and for God. She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church attending Zion Grace UMC (Norfolk, VA), Emmanuel UMC (Richfield, WI), and Brown Deer UMC (Brown Deer, WI), a youth minister at Zion UMC (Colgate, WI) and Wauwatosa Avenue UMC (Wauwatosa, WI), and a preacher at many others in southeast WI as a Certified Lay Speaker. Her greatest legacy is the decades of work committed to the children and adults through the Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Church Camps: ALIVE, Junior High Adventure, YoMiCa, and Special Needs. Encouraged by her enthusiasm, many of her campers became camp counselors and several became pastors. She was an ever-present volunteer or attendee at many of her children’s and grandchildren’s school, Scout, and other activities.
Lynette loved genealogy, lighthouses, animals (especially elephants), history, and sharing stories. She was the first to jump up and dance when the music started and to come in with a hug and a prayer when anyone was hurting. She had more people call her “Mom” than she gave birth to and she welcomed them all with open arms. She would want everyone to remember “Jesus loves you, and so do I.”
The family would like to express thanks to the staff at Lily Hospice and StoryPoint Memory Care Mequon for the care provided the last 2.5 months.
Lynette’s life will be celebrated on November 18, 2023 at Brown Deer United Methodist Church, 5736 W Brown Deer Road, Brown Deer, WI with visitation from noon to 2:00pm, service at 2:00pm, and meal fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brown Deer UMC https://browndeerumc.umcchurches.org/, Wisconsin United Methodist Camps https://wiumcamps.org/support/, or Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation https://alzheimersprevention.org/
I remember Tom and I visiting Paul and Lynette several years ago. We had an enjoyable time and met several of their children. Lynette was happy person who loved Jesus and was dedicated to serving Him.
Thank you, Lynette, for being the person you are. The short time I got to know you and Paul has been a real blessing. I learned a great deal about handling the trials of life with dignity and living in the moment. On one occasion, I remember your trying to roll over to talk with me during a visit no matter how much it hurt. You loved God and neighbor up to the very last breadth. For souls like yours, there are no “goodbyes” only “see you later.” I look forward to seeing you on the other side. May you rest in the “Peace of Jesus.”
Thank you, Lynette, for being the person you are. The short time I got to know you and Paul has been a real blessing. I learned a great deal about handling the trials of life with dignity and living in the moment. On one occasion, I remember your trying to roll over to converse with me during a visit no matter how much it hurt. You loved God and neighbor up to the very last breadth. For souls like yours, there are no “goodbyes” only “see you later.” I look forward to seeing you on the other side. May you rest in the “Peace of Jesus.”
A beautiful memorial for a beautiful person. We will miss you in our lives.
Even though living miles apart, the time we shared together on our trips and visits are precious us – thank you for sharing your love, laughter and joy. Your big baby brother Buddy and sister in law Diane.