Julia E. Metz

Julie Metz lived as an artist, painting life with bright, lively strokes, never afraid to be genuine and vulnerable, her heart open and true. She lived with flair.

Forever learning and growing, Julie sought to wring every ounce out of life (you don't replace both hips and knees if you don't intend to use them). Photography classes. Book clubs. Friend group dinner parties. Game nights. Margarita nights. Crafting. Painting anything that didn't move. Gardening (have you seen her garden?). Babysitting grandkids (and granddogs). Hours-long, heart-to-heart phone calls. Her vitality knew no bounds.

A proud mom, uplifting grandma and ultimate friend, she was the first to say "yes." Always there for you, listening and understanding. She was the spark who took the fun up a notch (or 5), often with devilish mischief and spontaneity, her laugh as big as the twinkle in her eye.

Though unexpected, she died peacefully. Her home was left immaculate, the only exception being ribbons and papers found scattered across her kitchen table, evidence of the centerpieces she had made for a friend's birthday dinner the night before. Evidence of a woman who gave and cared 1,000 percent. Evidence of an artist of life.

Julie is survived by her sons: Dennis (Brenda) Metz Jr., Brent (Aida) Metz and Parry (Laurie) Metz; grandchildren Kyle (Emma) Metz, Kelcie (Andy) Bryant, Kaley Metz, Lennon Metz, Sawyer Metz, Ania Metz Ramos and Iris Metz Ramos; great-granddaughter, Ashley Bryant; sisters: Ellen (Rich) Kamysz and Lynn Gray and ex-husband Dennis (Lyla) Metz, who is as family as family gets.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ted and Avis Davis.

A celebration of life ceremony will be Sunday, Sept. 7, at Starks Family Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Visitation will begin at noon, with a service and sharing time at 1 p.m. (please come prepared to share a special memory or what you loved about Julie). A reception will follow from 2-5 p.m. at the Boulevard Hotel in St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory of Julie online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.