Patricia Ann Metz

Patty was born in Woodlake California to a farming family that moved to the Merced area early in her life. Her parents, Molly and John Ace Combs, and two older sisters, Margaret Divine and Helen Baleme, were delighted to welcome another member to their family. Patty was raised by her parents and by her sisters, spoiled by their love.

As a child, Patty loved pets and thought that any animal could be one. She brought home stray cats and dogs, and had a calf, chicks, chickens and even a lizard as pets. There is a much-told story of Patty driving down a country road towards home when a hen and chicks crossed the road. Although she was very proud of her little Nash Metropolitan, she swerved without hesitation to avoid hitting the tiny chicks and flipped her little car into a ditch.

As a young woman, Patty was a steel guitarist. Her other hobbies included decorating cakes, needlework, cooking, crafting, dancing and traveling. Butterflies were Patty's passion and were represented in abundance in her home, yard, jewelry and clothing. She also enjoyed collecting keepsakes and could tell you the memory attached to each of them.

Patty was a gifted ‘people person’ who initially worked on her family’s ranch and then worked part-time for Dr. George Porter. Later, she was a teacher’s aide at Charles Wright school, and continued to work with Dr. Porter as she was much-loved by his patients. She became a Certified Ophthalmologic Technician and retired after several years working for Dr. Gary Graham.

In high school Patty was interested in a boy named Leroy, but Molly encouraged her daughter to date a younger boy in her high school class rather than one two years older. Tom Hunter was three weeks younger than Patty. They fell in love, married, and had three loving sons: Mark, Eric and Curtis.

As a parent she was the “best mom ever” – affectionate, attentive and involved. She taught her sons basic arithmetic and imparted in them an early love of reading. They were well-prepared for kindergarten after she provided them this essential pre-school education.

Patty was a member of the PTA in her sons’ schools, a President of Beta Sigma Phi, and a lady of the Red Hat Society. She was involved in many community activities and could be a bit of an activist when necessary. When a group of PTA moms heard about plans to pave over Merced’s courthouse park, they protested with their children in red wagons, encircling the park. The kids held “Save Courthouse Park” signs. The protest was featured in the Merced Sun-Star and listed the moms’ and their kids’ names.

Patty loved Boston Terriers and the family started showing dogs together. Her first pedigreed Boston, Tiki, became a champion show dog handled by Mark. All three sons competed in junior handling competitions, dog champion competitions and obedience. The whole family traveled in their trailer to dog shows throughout California and other western states.

Patty was very proud of her sons’ achievements in academics, sports, art and music. All three of them went to college and earned master’s degrees. They also became licensed professionals: Mark is a registered nurse and educator, Eric is a CPA (accountant), and Curtis is a high school teacher.

Curtis and his wife Amy had two beautiful sons, Ethan and Graham. Patty was delighted to care for young children again and was an attentive and loving Grandma.

By January 1999, it had been 45 years since Patty and Leroy had seen or heard from each other. Since their first spouses, Tom Hunter and Sonja Garret, were deceased, Sonja's mother, Iris Garrett, and Dan Catoe arranged a reacquaintance pizza dinner. That date resulted in another twenty-one happily wedded years, much of it spent traveling the nation. Patty loved to travel in the motor home and on cruises and trips with their friends Pete and Alice Peterson. They also enjoyed camping trips with R.V. Carvers and with Merced's Roaming Elks, and they visited all but five states. In twenty-one years of marriage, Patty never said a negative word about anyone. She was always positive and uplifting.

The Combs sisters remained close their entire lives. When their own families were young, their parents’ ranch on Mariposa Way was a well-loved gathering place. Many kids in the family fondly recall the rustic ranch, the almond trees, and driving a tractor with a little help from Grandpa Combs. In later years, birthdays, holidays and celebrations were held at each of the sister’s homes. And summer gatherings on Helen and Al’s houseboat leave lasting memories of the extended family’s love for one another. The Combs sisters are together once again.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Leroy; son Mark Hunter (Michael Page) of Springfield, Oregon; son Eric Hunter of San Francisco; son Curtis (Amy) Hunter of Roseville; two grandchildren, Ethan and Graham; honorary "fourth son" Gary Roush (Mark Gresko) of Fresno; niece Carolyn (Rick) Kiesz; nephew John (Hermila) Divine; and niece Tracy (David) Kettmann.

The services and interment will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SPCA of Merced, care of Curtis Hunter 2316 Leighton Way, Roseville CA 95747.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Metz family.