Ula Jean Ater Metzler

Ula Jean Ater Metzler, age 85, passed away on November 6, 2023, in Canal Winchester, OH.  She was born at the Chillicothe Hospital, Chillicothe, OH on August 28, 1938, to Mary (Roby) and John Ater.  She grew up on a farm in Deer Creek Township where she drove tractors, milked cows, gathered eggs and learned to become a wonderful cook.  On March 18, 1961, Ula Jean married Donald E. Metzler.  They had been married for 61 years.  They have two sons, Jeff (Sylvia), and Jon (Jennifer).  Ula Jean’s grandchildren are Justin Park (Angie), Audra Metzler Vita (Anthony), Cameron Metzler, Cole Metzler, and Ian Metzler, and one great granddaughter, Lynlii Park.  Ula Jean graduated from Atlanta High School and The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Master of Arts Degree, and post graduate work.  Ula Jean’s education career started in the Circleville City Schools as an elementary teacher.  After receiving her Master’s Degree, she specialized in gifted and talented education.  Ula Jean helped establish Alternative Learning Processes for High Achievers (ALPHA) for Circleville schools and Voyages into Knowledge for Exceptional Students (VIKES), for Teays Valley schools.  After retiring from public education, Ula Jean was employed by the Hosler Foundation to work with science and math in the Teays Valley Local School District.  Ula Jean became involved with politics and was elected for three four-year terms as a Pickaway County Commissioner from 2001-2013.  During her tenure as a county commissioner, she chaired and co-chaired many meaningful committees to help Pickaway County grow.  After retirement, Ula Jean continued to volunteer in schools to promote higher education and in her church community at Community United Methodist Church.  In 2007, Ula Jean organized and chaired Pickaway Higher Education Learning Partners for Students (HELPS), now called Pickaway WORKS.  Ula Jean was predeceased by her husband and her parents.  She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and her brother, Ed (Linda) Ater.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pickaway Works/Ula Jean Metzler Scholarship Fund by visiting the Pickaway Works website www.pickawayworks.org/donate.  Friends may call at Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville on Monday November 13, 2023 from 4-7 p.m.  Funeral service will be Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Community United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Browns Chapel Cemetery.  Online condolences can be made at www.wellmafuneralhomes.com.