William "Ralph" Metts

William “Ralph” Metts, 84, passed peacefully at home on the morning of April 2nd, 2018 after fighting a 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Pike, WV on November 28th, 1933 and was a son of the late Harold Christian and Edna (Eddy) Metts.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Patty Lou (Steele) Metts. They were married on May 29th, 1954 in Belmont, WV. He was also preceded in death by sisters Freda Hupp (Bud) Pinney of Salem, OH; Zella (Everett) Moore of New Matamoras, OH; Adeline “Madge” Smith of Parkersburg, WV; and Luella (Robert) Graham of St. Mary’s, WV; his brother Raymond (Alice) Metts of Washington, WV; and his daughter-in-law Mary Jo Metts of New Cumberland, WV.

Ralph was well known for his work ethic and tireless good deeds; he worked three jobs as a young man to support his family including gas station attendant and manager at Sohio service stations in Wellsville and East Liverpool, Knowles Pottery in Newell, and Patterson Industries in East Liverpool. He then obtained his GED and worked at First Energy’s Bruce Mansfield plant in the maintenance department for 20 years until his retirement in April 1998. After his retirement, he continued his work through several construction projects with Habitat for Humanity and the Southern Baptist Association rebuilding homes after natural disasters and for families in need.

Ralph’s work was fueled by his faith in God and desire to give back to those less fortunate. He was a founding member of the First Baptist Church of Chester where he was a devoted parishioner, deacon, treasurer, and lifelong committee member, along with participating in building the church. Ralph also did construction work for the Hancock County Senior Center as part of the Seniors Helping Seniors program as well as various local community cleanup days.  Above all else, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family.

He will be deeply missed by his children: Ralph “Eddie” Metts of New Cumberland, WV; Diane Metts of Chester, WV; Harold “Gene” Metts and his companion, Pat Church of Newell, WV; and Teresa (Tim) Ralph of New Cumberland, WV. His grandchildren Paul Metts of Pittsburgh, PA, Jimmy Metts of Weirton, WV, and Tyler Metts of East Liverpool, OH; Stephanie Lioi of Morgantown, WV, Kenneth Richardson of Houston, TX; Briana Ralph (Gregory Six II) and Zackary Ralph of New Cumberland, WV; great grandchildren Riley, Kaelynn, and Kristalynn Richardson, as well as several close nieces and nephews, and his Brothers in Christ.  Ralph is also survived by a sister, Rosalie (Paul) Fairbee of St. Mary’s, WV.He will also be missed by his friend and companion of the last 3 years, Betty Dennis, and her family who have been very special to him.

Friends may visit from 2-8 on Wednesday, April 4th at the Arner Funeral Chapel. Pastor Larry Garrison will celebrate his life on Thursday, April 5th at 11:00. Burial will be at the New Cumberland Cemetery and following the service, friends and family will gather for fellowship and sharing good memories at Casa de Emanuel 460 Mulberry St, East Liverpool OH 43920 at 1:00.

Ralph epitomized Christian values and put others before himself even during hard times. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone who knew him continue his legacy of charitable giving by “paying it forward” and perform an act of kindness for another, as he would.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Ralph" Metts, please visit our floral store.