Judith Metzler

Judith Ann (Ekers) Metzler left this world for the next grand adventure early in the morning on March 17, 2025. She was 80 years old, having celebrated her birthday last August with friends, family, and the staff at Pickaway Manor, who took good care of “Judy Girl” in her final years.

Judy was freewheeling and fun-loving – a free spirit her whole life. She was married five times but found her truest love with Donald O’Neill. She met Don at a party in Columbus, OH. She was a dark-haired beauty and he was a former Navy man. They had many good years together before he passed away in 2010.

A woman of many talents, Judy held jobs as a police officer and was one of the first women on the narcotics team in Ohio, a private detective, owner of the Big Darby Canoe Livery, and a hairdresser, among many other professions. Judy loved a challenge and trying new things.

Judy also loved animals of all kinds, but especially her dog Pebbles, the final gift she received from Don before he died. She loved her children, Scott and Paige. And she loved life. Everyone who met Judy never forgot her.

Judy is predeceased by her husband Donald Larry O’Neill; parents Hubert and Mattie (Florence) O’Neill; adoptive parents Okey and Mary Ekers; and brothers Robert Crosthwaite and Donnie Crosthwaite.

She is survived by her son Scott (Katrina) Metzler; daughter Paige (Sean) McKeever; sisters Patricia Williams, Libby Yarbrough, Gloria Jean Arnold, and Wanda (Ron) Keilholz; brothers Lewis (Carol) Crosthwaite, Roy Crosthwaite, Martin (Margery) Crosthwaite, Jimmy (Wanda) Crosthwaite, and Frank Henson; grandchildren Samantha Key, Devin (Alicia Miklos) Metzler, Trevor (Colleen McDaniel) Metzler, and many other beloved family members and friends.

This year, on what would have been her 81st birthday weekend, all who loved Judy are invited to a celebration of life at Living by Faith Ministries on August 16 (time TBA). In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Judy Metzler to Danielle’s Animal Safe Haven (DASH) rescue at https://dashrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/donate.

Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.