Beatrice Metz

(From Parker Mortuary)

Beatrice Lavania Metz, age 91, Joplin, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Webb City Health and Rehabilitation after a lengthy illness.

Bea was born December 15, 1923,. on her family farm located midway between Emporia and Council Grove, Kansas, near Dunlap, Kansas.

Bea attended grade school in a one room school, and graduated from Dunlap High School as her class president. She then attended the College of Emporia (which is no longer in existence) in Emporia, Kansas. She was a home economics major, graduating in 1945. She was also a member of the Kappa Omicron Phi while at the College of Emporia.

Jim and Bea met in Warrensburg, Missouri where she was working as a Home Services Director for the Gas Service Company. Jim was transferred to Sabetha, Kansas in 1949, and Bea was moved to Joplin that year as a director. She was active with Girl Scouts, helping with their cooking lessons, and their merit badges. She also wrote a column for the Joplin Globe, called "Bea's Buzzing in the Kitchen".

She married James A. Metz on October 1, 1950 at the First Presbyterian Church in Emporia.

They started their married life at Beloit, Kansas, where she was active in the Episcopal Church. Father Bob Mize, founder of St. Francis, prepared her for confirmation, and she was confirmed by Bishop Shirly H. Nichols, who was formerly the Bishop of Kyoto, Japan, and he was interred for a time while in Japan during WW II. .

Bea's interests and memberships included sewing, painting, music, singing, AAUW, Order of the Eastern Star in Beloit, Women of Kiwanis, Crossline's Volunteer, Sweet Adeline's of Joplin, and Joplin Women's Club.

Bea loved to dine and travel, and was an active member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Joplin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Baker and Anita Ogleby Baker, and a brother, Hurschal E. Baker.

Survivors include her husband, Jim; sons, Philip A. Metz and wife Sue, Mark Metz and wife Lois all of Joplin.

Memorial services will be Friday, January 30, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Philip's Episcopal Church with Father Frank Sierra officiating. Inurnment will be private in St. Philip's Columbarium.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to The Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in care of Parker Mortuary.