LADONNA METZGER SPENCERVILLE — LaDonna M. "Brownie Metzger, 87, died at 4:47 a.m. Nov. 24, 2013, at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born July 9, 1926, in Hume to Ortha and Lela Bowsher Fantz, who preceded her in death. On Aug. 12, 1944, she married Vernon Metzger, who died June 30, 2004. In Brownie and Vern's early years together, they were up early at the crack of dawn milking cows and farming. In 1960, they gave up the dairy cattle and became part owners in the local bowling establishment, Lyn Lee Lanes. In the early 1970s they took full ownership and to this date the business is still family owned by Lyle. In 1966 Brownie became employed at State Accounting Service and that is where she retired from in 2005. LaDonna received the nickname "Brownie" in her younger years because of her big brown eyes and a soft smile that no would could ever forget. She always enjoyed her family and throughout the years she loved to bowl, read, and help others in any way she could. She was the 1944 valedictorian of Shawnee High School and also was a member of the United Church of Christ in Spencerville. This past year she spent at Roselawn Manor where she was loved by all. Survivors include a son, Lyle Metzger, of Spencerville; two daughters, Cheryl (Nick) George, of Lima, and Deb (Bill Harman) Laudick, of Spencerville; six grandchildren, Angela (Timothy) Wenger, of Bluffton, Paula (Matt) Russell, of Toledo, Lorrie George, of Lima, Rusty George, of Lima, Stacy Friesner, of Russells Point, and Bill Harman Jr., of Mason; and six great-grandchildren, Elijah Wenger, Aiden Stewart, Tyler Friesner, Maddie Friesner, Joey Harman, and Brady Harman. She was preceded in death by a brother, Donovan Fantz. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. The Rev. Elaine Mikesell will officiate. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Roselawn Manor activity fund or to the donor's choice. Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.