Phyllis Claire Metzger

Phyllis Claire (Wood) Metzger (91) passed away on 8 January 2025 in her home in Council Grove, KS. 

Phyllis was born September 9, 1933, in Manhattan, KS, to Ralph Aaron “Jim” Wood and Mona Josephine (Novak) Wood. Phyllis graduated as a salutatorian from Council Grove High School, Class of 1951. In 1953, she earned her associate’s degree from Cottey College, a women’s liberal arts and sciences college in Nevada, MO before completing a degree in physical therapy at the University of Kansas in 1955. 

On February 5, 1956, Phyllis married the love of her life, Floyd Dent Metzger, at the Methodist Church in Council Grove, KS. Together they raised four children: Mark, Monte, and twins Mitchell and Monna, with Mitchell arriving six minutes earlier than Monna. 

Phyllis accompanied Floyd through his Army dental education and career, with assignments in Fort Bliss, TX; Kansas City, MO; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Lewis, WA; Munich, Germany; Fort Polk, LA; and Fort Riley, KS. After Floyd retired from the military, she supported his dental practices as office manager.

Phyllis and Floyd enjoyed traveling. Their adventures took them throughout Europe, Egypt, Belize, Australia, Newfoundland, and more. Phyllis counted among her fondest travel memories hiking the 33-mile Milford Track in New Zealand.

A skilled genealogist long before the digital age, Phyllis celebrated her family heritage and love of service with membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Daughters of American Colonists (DAC), and Colonial Dames of the 17th Century. She was a proud member of P.E.O. and volunteered at the Morris County Care and Share. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Council Grove where she participated in the bell choir. 

Phyllis was an avid K-State football fan, holding season tickets for over 40 years and faithfully attending tailgates until her 90th birthday. She loved playing cards with friends, building jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her beloved family. 

She is survived by her children: Mark (Deanne [Gentry]) Metzger of Rockport, MO; Monte (Susan [Lee]) Metzger of Manhattan, KS; and Mitchell (Melinda Mullin) Metzger of Leawood, KS; and Monna Metzger of Council Grove, KS. Phyllis was also blessed with two grandchildren, Aaron Metzger of Rockport, MO, and Adam (Jessica [Cottrell]) Metzger of Bellevue, NE, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eula Corey Metzger Scholarship (Council Grove Area Foundation, 201 Main Street, Box 137, Council Grove, KS 66846) or the Calvary Lutheran Church (715 E. Main Street, Council Grove, KS 66846).