Sylvia Anne Metzger, 79, of Burlington, Kansas, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

She was born May 14, 1947, at Emporia, KS, the daughter of Albert Loren and Christina Aileen (Decker) Skillman. She grew up on a farm north of Burlington and attended Martindale Rural School. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1965. She was then employed by Southwestern Bell in Topeka.

On July 2, 1966, she and Theron A. Metzger were married at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Burlington. They lived in Topeka a short time before returning to the Burlington area.   They became the parents of four children.  They moved to their current home west of Burlington in 1971.   They celebrated 60 years of marriage on July 2 this year.

Sylvia worked  at the Golden Age Lodge in Burlington for a number of years before being employed as a baker in the kitchen of the Burlington schools. Her cinnamon rolls were a favorite of the students. She retired in 2011 after 28 years at the school.

In her leisure time she enjoyed baking, sewing, and gardening. She enjoyed preparing special birthday dinners for her children and grandchildren. Most of all, Sylvia enjoyed the time spent with her grandchildren.

Sylvia and Theron suffered the loss of their son, Jason, on December 14, 2012, and their grandson, Tristen Metzger, on October 9, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Loren Skillman and Marion Skillman.

She leaves her husband, Theron; her children, Lori Mock (Tom), Scranton, KS, Brad Metzger (Dana), Burlington, and Craig Metzger (Katie), Gridley, KS; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a brother Levan, New Strawn and a sister Catherine Murphy (Dennis), Emporia, and numerous nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Burlington. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at Burlington.

A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. Friday at the church with visitation following from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.