Obituary of Dorothy Shaul Metzler

Dorothy Shaul (Cowan) Metzler died peacefully in her sleep at her home on October 22, 2010 surrounded by her devoted family. She was born September 13, 1917, in Woodlake, Nebraska to Cleona Mae (O’Halloran) and Alva Clayton Shaul. Her parents moved to Whitewood, South Dakota where she lived with her two sisters, Dessa and Belva. As the middle child, Dorothy was always the tomboy and enjoyed spending time helping her dad outside. Climbing cherry trees continued well into her 70’s, until her children no longer encouraged the activity. Dorothy married Norman Cowan in 1933 and moved to Lead, South Dakota. In 1935 she graduated from Green’s School of Beauty Culture in Rapid City. Connie and Sally were born in Lead. In 1942 the family moved to Union, Washington with several relatives. At a Union Masonic Hall dance, Dorothy met a woman who was wearing a camellia in her hair. She liked the “look” so much that she adopted that tradition as her own. For the rest of her life she wore a flower in her hair. Occasionally, people would stop her just to check and see if she had that flower in her hair. She always did. In 1944 the family moved to Bremerton; two years later they moved to Mason County. As time passed more relatives settled in the Northwest, and eventually Dessa and Belva’s families also moved to Mason County. During these years the family added two more children: Bruce and Bette who were born in Shelton, Washington. The men ran the lumber mill while Dorothy was the bookkeeper. She was known for cutting hair, making delicious pies and baked goods. This was definitely the place to gather for after school snacks. Dorothy’s second marriage was to Eddie Metzler on April 26, 1957. They chose to move to Union, Washington, a small community that had friendly people and a great view! Both of them always agreed that Union was their best vacation spot – although they did enjoy traveling to Hawaii, Reno, and various locations to visit their children. Annual trips to Reno were made to celebrate Dorothy’s birthday. Friends and relatives met at the Nugget for laughter and high jinks while trying to outdo each other in the slot machine tournaments. Through the years people have commented on Dorothy and Eddie’s loving relationship; the “secret” successful marriage was putting each other first. It was fun to be at their house, play blitz, and eat the latest homemade dessert. Dorothy and Eddie were good listeners and yet could entertain you with some great stories. Visitors were encouraged to “make yourselves at home”. Since family and friends were always important to Dorothy, she became an “adopted” mother and grandmother to several people. As years passed, more family members were added so that holiday and celebration gatherings usually numbered in the 30’s or 40’s. There was always room for one more in their home. In 1963 Dorothy and her sister-in-law, Shirley Cowan, operated a little café in Union; it was known for the best pies around the county. However, at the end of the summer, the girls had barely earned enough money to treat their husbands to a weekend trip to Victoria. Dorothy was also an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for children, grandchildren, and others. It amazed everyone that for most of Dorothy’s retired life she rode 5 miles daily on her stationary bike. In miles, she crossed the United States several times. Dorothy worked at the Union Post Office from 1964 until September 1983, the last nine years serving as postmaster. It was a job that suited “Dottie” well because she loved visiting with people. In addition, Dorothy worked at Flagwood and finished her “working” years at the Cameo from 1985-1999. She continued to attend Open Houses and special events at the Cameo just to see and greet friends. She was always interested in people and what they were doing. (If you had a baby to share, that was even better.) Dorothy was a resident of Union for 55 years. Spirited until the end, Dorothy’s focus was on making others feel better. People coming in to cheer her would feel heartened and leave with a more positive attitude. She continued to maintain her intelligence, wit, natural beauty, and a sense of pride in her appearance. For every picture, there was a flower in her hair, fresh lipstick, and a smile. A quote on our O’Halloran family calendar says it all: “May we always remember the courage, strength, and love of our ancestors, forever alive in us.” (Particularly, YOU, Mom!) Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Edwin Metzler (1995), sister, Belva Olson (2000), daughter, Sally Stacy (2006), and son-in-law, Gordon Adams (2010). She is survived by a sister, Dessa Heider, and children: Connie Adams, Sally’s husband, Don Stacy, Bruce and Karen Cowan, Bette and Mike Morton, Scott and Stella Metzler. Also feeling the tremendous loss are 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.