Cathy Metheny

All who knew Cathy Metheny would agree that she made every individual around her feel appreciated and loved. There was no greater gift in her life than her family, and Cathy considered it to be both her highest calling and her richest blessing to be a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Although life will never be the same without her here, she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on.

Charles and Sophie Chelko were filled with great anticipation as they eagerly awaited the birth of their twin babies in Natrona, Pennsylvania, during the spring of 1938. Their wait was finally over on April 15th when twin girls who they named Catherine and Carole arrived. The girls were inseparable while growing up and tried to do as many things together as possible. They even had their first jobs together cleaning the local church and sweeping at the school before their classes would start for the day. Cathy was known to sneak out of the house, and Carole would always cover for her. While growing up, some of Cathy’s favorite times were spent with her family at their cabin in the Tionesta located in Pennsylvania.

Life was forever changed for Cathy when she finally agreed to go on a double date with a man named John Metheny on New Year’s Eve (because she knew he wouldn’t stop asking her to go out until she agreed). They were introduced by mutual friends. They continued to date and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, the sweethearts were married on June 15, 1962. Once they were married, Cathy decided to stay home and care for their growing family.

There was nothing Cathy treasured more than being with her loved ones making memories. Every February, her kids looked forward to skipping school to go the Holidome in Goshen, Indiana for a weekend getaway. Every Christmas was spent visiting family in Pennsylvania. Christmas Eve dinner began the festivities. This tradition involved eating twelve different foods for the twelve apostles and throwing peas in each of the corners in the dining room. Midnight mass, another feast including ham, and opening of the gifts followed. This often-meant gifts were open at two in the morning. Every New Year’s Eve Cathy carried on a tradition that was started by her parents by giving her kids a cloth containing the following year’s coins and a piece of bread to be placed over their front doors. In this way, there would always be food and money coming through their door.

Cathy’s love and hospitality extended to many others and her door was always open. Holidays often included guests like the mailman, neighbors, and her kids’ friends. Anyone who needed a meal was always welcome at her table. Cathy was especially known for her potato salad and chocolate chip cookies.

Cathy and John were truly best friends, and genuinely enjoyed one another’s company. John had no problem chauffeuring Cathy around and waiting on a bench for her while she shopped. He would even sit in the chair next to her while she got a pedicure so they could spend more time together.

Cathy was never one to be idle, she often told family and friends “she was going to work,” when actually, she was heading to Bingo. She was committed to her “job” and would often show up hours in advanced to guarantee that she got her favorite spot and had time to set up her good luck charms. Cathy also frequented Firekeeper’s Casino to play Bingo or try her luck at the slots. At home, she enjoyed playing both Skip-Bo and Yahtzee with friends, usually with some old country tunes playing in the background.

Cathy was kind, selfless, and compassionate. She was so much more than a mom as she was also a best friend, and she was so blessed to share most of her life with her one true love. With faith as her compass, she was an inspiration to others and set an amazing example of her faith by praying the Rosary daily. She leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be forever treasured.

Catherine Metheny of Paw Paw, age 84, died on September 25, 2022. Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, John; stepdaughters: Sharon Fritz and Linda Hatten; siblings: Carole McElwain and Delores Bates. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Sheilah Barnhart, Chantal (Joe) Leduc, John (Mary) Metheny II, Ken Metheny, and Marty Verberg; many grandchildren; siblings: Loretta O’Brien, Elaine Jones, Charles (Becky) Chelko, and Carla (Tom) Friel.

A visitation will be held on Friday (SEPT 30) from 5-7 PM at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M40, Paw Paw, 269-657-3870. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday (OCT 1) at 11 AM at St. Mary Church, Paw Paw, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Visit Cathy’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic School.