Janice M. (Christman) Metz

Janice Marie (Christman) Metz, 73, of Troy, Mont., and formerly of North Powder, died Aug. 29 of congestive heart failure at the Libby Care Center in Libby, Mont.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Methodist church in North Powder, followed by a graveside service at the North Powder Cemetery.

Janice was born on May 15, 1934, in Halfway, to Calvin and Helen Christman. She grew up in the North Powder area and graduated as salutatorian of the North Powder High School Class of 1952.

From an early age, Janice was an accomplished pianist and organist and often played during Sunday worship services at local churches. She earned college scholarships to Oregon State University and was a member of the Azalea House. Janice attended Eastern Oregon University, and earned a degree in elementary education from the University of Idaho in Moscow.

On Jan. 23, 1957, Janice married August "Gus" G. Metz Jr., in Stevenson, Wash. They had seven children. The family moved to northern Idaho, where Janice was an elementary school teacher for the Bonners Ferry School District. She taught in the Umatilla School District for several years. Some of her former pupils maintained contact with her until her death.

Janice retired after more than 20 years of teaching and managed property in Portland with her husband. They enjoyed collecting antiques. She moved to a hilltop ranch in northwestern Montana, where she enjoyed gardening, landscaping and spending time with her grandchildren.

Janice is survived by her former spouse and long-time companion, Gus; children, Kathy Meyer of Toledo, August G. Metz III of Rock Springs, Wyo., Jeff Metz of Sandpoint, Idaho, Brian Metz of Troy, Mont., Amy Metz of Missoula, Mont., and Karen Martin of Mountain Home, Idaho; siblings, Carol Wisdom of North Powder, Marilyn Esquibel of Northridge, Calif., and Marion "Bruce" Christman of Baker City; 27 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Sid, and her son, Keith Metz.