Debra Metz (Schlitter), 61, of Ames, IA, passed away in the comfort of her home on September 16, 2022. Deb succumbed to complications associated with breast cancer surgery. Prior to the surgery and looking forward to recovery, she decorated the entire house for one of her favorite holidays, Halloween, and made many soups and meals. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Sunny Heights Farm, 17641 Templeton Road, Ames, Iowa 50010. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m. at the Gilbert Lutheran Church, 135 School Street, Gilbert, Iowa 50105.
Deb was born on February 10, 1961, to Eugene and Anita (Baade) Schlitter in Waukon, Iowa. She attended Monona High School and was a graduate with the class of 1979. She then attended University of Minnesota, Waseca, where she met the love of her life, Alan Metz. Al and Deb were united in marriage on September 19, 1981, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monona, IA. Deb dedicated much of her life to raising their two children, Krysta and Kyle, and ensuring that her family prospered.
Deb had a “Green thumb” and could grow almost anything and had a knack for nursing any sick plant back to its glory. That love of helping things did not stop at just plants. She rescued 3 horses from a kill pen and brought them back to her farm. Deb also helped save many rescue animals. These acts were just one way of showing Deb was willing to help in any way she could to give a voice to the voiceless; a mindset carried over into her everyday life.
Deb’s gardening skills were only matched by her baking skills, she was known as the “cheesecake whisperer.” She enjoyed canning, baking sourdough breads and all kinds of sweet treats for community members and her grandsons. Anyone was happy to help taste test anything new she tried in the kitchen. Deb also enjoyed the community of Gilbert Lutheran Church, especially helping with the quilting group and providing food for the “backpack buddies” program. Deb was an inspiration for a great life, and she is adored by so many people. She always remained humble and kind and set a great example of how a wonderful person looks and acts.
Left to carry on Debra’s legacy is her husband of 40 years, Alan, children Kyle (Leo) Metz and Krysta (Nick) Bryars, grandsons Roc, Gus, and Mac Bryars, and mother, Anita Schlitter.
She is preceded in death by, her father, Eugene Schlitter.
Memorials may be made to: Story County Animal Shelter Checks can be made payable to “Friends of The Animals” and mailed to Story County Animal Shelter, 975 West Lincoln HWY, 50201
