Sandra J. Metzler

AUSTINTOWN -- Sandra J. Metzler, 54, of Austintown, died late Saturday evening, December 31, 2011 at her residence after a courageous two year battle with ovarian cancer. Sandy was born in Youngstown on January 29, 1957, a daughter of Larry and Donna Mahaffey McDaniel.

Sandy was raised in Struthers and resided in Austintown after returning from Blacksburg, South Carolina where she worked for Duke Power. A 1975 graduate of Struthers High School, Sandy worked as a Business Analyst for First Energy in Akron for 26 years.

Sandy's greatest love in life was for her family and God. She received the Holy Ghost in the year 2001 and became very active in the First Apostolic Church of Tallmadge. She was involved in numerous activities including the ladies ministries, choir, the outreach program, ran the projection system, was active in the Apostolic Church rebuilding project, The Nehemiah Project, and she was head of the F.A.C.T. Care Program. She loved God and lived with God's Spirit.

Sandy, a conservative by nature, was always fearful of motorcyles until 2009. Having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she decided to take a leap of faith. Her words, ``if the motorcyle doesn't get me, the cancer probably will.' She and Brant would spend moments together riding their motorcycle and experiencing all the joys one receives in the open air such as smelling the fragrances of spring and summer, riding into sunsets and sharing the simplicity and beauty of God's Country with friends in Arizona.

Her final moments in life were enjoying the friends and family that filled their home. She loved music, especially the talents of her daughters and was able to hear their beautiful voices singing at her bedside. Sandy was able to witness the graduation of both of her daughters and they will live their lives according to Sandy's special words of advice, ``always pursue your love of music and your dreams.'

Sandy leaves behind to cherish her memories, her mother, Donna McDaniel of Struthers; her husband, Brant, whom she married June 7,1986; two daughters, Brandy and Heidi Metzler, at home; five sisters, Karen (Joe) Wawrosch of Columbus, Ga., Deborah (Bob) George and Linda (Matt) Pittman, all of Struthers, Susan (David) West of Houston, Texas, and Donna (Keith) Johnson of Friendswood, Texas; one brother, Larry (Cindy) McDaniel II of Struthers; mother-in-law, Ruth Metzler; and sister-in-law, Lynda Metzler, both of North Jackson; and nine nieces; seven nephews; six great nieces and seven great nephews. Besides her father, Sandy was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Brant Metzler, Sr.

Callling hours will be Wednesday, January 4th from 2 to 3:45 p.m. at The First Apostolic Church of Tallmadge, 199 South Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278, where services will follow at 4 p.m., with Pastor Ken Bulgrin officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman.

To honor Sandy's wishes for her daughters continued education, memorial contributions may be made for ``Brandy and Heidi' in care of Brant Metzler Jr. and/or memorial tributes to the Nehemiah Project, care of The First Apostolic Church of Tallmadge, 199 South Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278.

Arrangements are being handled by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.