Ronald F. Mettler
July 14, 1928 - April 14, 2016
Obituary
Ron was born in Lewiston, Idaho July 14, 1928. In the early 1930’s, his parents Louie and Dorcas along with his brothers Harold and Franklin packed-up and moved to the Tukwila area where Ron would remain for the rest of his life.
Graduating from Foster High School in Tukwila in 1945, Ron went on to marry his high school sweetheart Betty on October 19, 1951. Together they had three children: Cheri, Dawn, and Greg. Grandpa Ron had six grandchildren: Rian, Savannah, Jamie, Kelli, Tony and Justin. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Hailey and Mason.
Ron was known as a very hard-worker throughout his life. He was self-employed as a house painter for over 5 decades. Ron also worked at Northwest Airlines in the 1950’s and 60’s. He served as Chairman of the Tukwila planning commission during the 1960’s and 70’s. Together Ron & Betty managed the Village Green Apartments in Tukwila for most of the 1960’s & 70’s. In 1977, they moved on to manage the Parkview Apartments in Tukwila owned by their close friends Gerald & Gail Schneider. Ron served as the Parkview’s manager up until the last few months of his life, relying closely on the help of his friend and assistant Matt Shandrick.
Grandpa Ron was a dedicated family man. He loved getting together with family on birthdays and holidays. Always keen for company, Ron enjoyed going out to dinner with his children and grandchildren. Over the past several years “dinner with gramps” became a weekly tradition. Ron was an avid sports fan, keeping up on baseball, football and golf whenever possible. He also enjoyed attending Seattle Mariners games or betting on the horse races at Emerald Downs.
In his later years Ron faced many health problems. Despite his many ailments he did manage to stay able and active until the end. In his last few months Ron’s health declined rapidly and on April 14, 2016 he passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 87. Ron will be laid to rest at Bonney-Watson in Seatac next to Betty, his wife of 54 years.
Celebration of life services will be held at Billy Baroo’s Bar & Grill at Foster Golf Links in Tukwila on Saturday May 21st from 3-6pm.
I knew Ron from 1934 on as we moved to Foster from Madronna. Ron’s brother Harold was in my class and Ron was a year behind us. Years later he repainted my medical office for me without interrupting my patient care. My second wife, nee Katherine Shults Ostrom, also knew Ron for she was a year behind Ron. I knew always to be a very sincere hard working honest guy and considered him one of my friends over the years. He cheery face will be missed
My sincere condolences to the family of Ronald Mettler. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and in God’s promise to soon “swallow up death forever” and “wipe away the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) With deepest sympathy,
Ron and Betty were long-time friends and absolutely wonderful people, and we hold many fond memories of our time together in Tukwila. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cheri, Dawn and Greg and their families during this most difficult time. Much love, from the Todd family