Meta K. Walter

Meta K. Walter, 95, of Florida, Ohio, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with her family by her side.

Born Jan. 31, 1930, in Henry County, Meta was the daughter of Otto D. and Helen (Bockelman) Meyer.

She was baptized and confirmed at St Peter Lutheran, Florida, and at the time of her death was the oldest lifetime member of the congregation. She was active in worship, served on many committees and sang in the church choir for over 50 years.

Meta graduated in May 1947 from Florida High School, and a month later was enrolled at Warner Beauty College in Toledo, graduating in December. In January 1948 she passed her state boards and received her license to practice cosmetology all before she turned 18.

Meta worked in the beauty business for over 65 years, owning Meta's Beauty Shoppe for over 60 years.

Oct. 1, 1949, Meta was united in marriage in Angola, Indiana, to her high school sweetheart, Julius Keith Walter Jr. Together they raised their four children in Florida, Pam, Marsha, Terry and Pat. Once they were empty nesters, Meta joined Jr. at Campbell Soup Co., retiring Dec. 31, 1989, after working third shift together for over 20 years.

Meta and Jr. loved to travel (including Hawaii, Las Vegas, Branson, Nashville, Maine, Vermont, Wisconsin, Niagara Falls), going to grandkids' sporting events, and enjoying their camper on Crooked Lake in Angola, Indiana, where their marriage of almost 47 years began.

After Jr.'s sudden passing in 1996 at age 65, Meta became more involved in community work, including the United Way and the Village of Florida Council. During her 10 years on council, she was a part of getting sewer and water services to the village. She also was able to continue traveling with family and friends to Arizona, Pennsylvania, California, Florida and other states.

Meta's true legacy is her family.

She is lovingly survived by her children Pam (John) Dorsha of Grafton, Wisconsin, Marsha Stanton (Heidi Sauber) of Florida, Terry (Patricia) of Powell, Ohio, and Pat (DJ Billingham) of St Pete Beach, Florida.

She is a much loved Grandma to Josie (Greg) Kuhlman, Jason (Chantilly) Kessler, Matthew (Jennifer) Rosenberg, Erika (Patrick)Doherty, Stephen (Taylor) Walter, Kathrine (Ben) Pflum and Tyler (Amanda) Rosenberg.

She is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren, Emma (Logan), Ben, Briahhna (Kurtis), Lexi, Kopelyn, Teddy, Brooklyn, Kieradyn. Taylor, Dominic, Cayden, Annabelle, Madison, Jace, Kinsley, Braxton, Audrianna, Avery and Andrew; and three great-great-grandchildren, Tripp, Charli, Kash, and one more soon to be born.

Meta is further survived by her dear sister; Betty Hoy, sisters-in-law, Virginia Meyer and Judy Meyer; as well as many dearly loved nieces and nephews and special friends, including Bonnie Sasaki and her daughters.

Preceding Meta in death were her much loved husband, Jr.; infant son, Michael (twin to Marsha); son-in-law, Fred Stanton; as well as her seven brothers, Elmer (Betty), Julius (Phyllis), Robert (Dorothy), Paul (Ria), Ervin (Barbara), Richard, Otto; two sisters, Euretha (the Reverend Alton Koch) and Ruth; brother-in-law, JP Hoy; sister-in-law, Nancy Mae (Marvin) Michaelis; and special friend, Larry Sasaki.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 2-6 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, Ohio, and on Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 5 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Florida, Ohio. Interment will follow at the Florida Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Peter Lutheran Church Preschool or Florida Fire Department.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rodenbergergray.com.