Mom died in Spokane, WA on Mother's Day May 14, 2023 due to natural causes. She died peacefully and spiritually in her sleep with her family at her side. God bless you, Mom, on your next journey.

Metra Genevieve Kunz was born on August 26, 1926 in Wilbur, WA to Bess and George Kunz. She grew up on their wheat farm north of Wilbur and attended Wilbur schools from first grade through graduation from High School. At home, she excelled at all the things a farm girl would do: She owned her own horse; she helped to raise livestock; she learned to cook, can, and sew; she drove wheat truck during harvest (her favorite thing!). In school, she was active in the drama club, the girl's club, the chorus, and was a majorette with the band.

After High School, Mom moved to Spokane and graduated from Kinman Business University with a degree in Secretarial Science. She worked at a variety of jobs in Spokane, made many friends, and became a member of many clubs and groups.

Metra married Bob Ryan in January 1953. They had two sons, John in 1954 and Greg in 1955. In 1959, Dad's company built Mom the home of her dreams, which she owned for 60 years until deciding to move to a retirement community. Mom was a "charter member" of St. Thomas More parish and performed many volunteer activities for the church and school throughout the years.

Mom suffered the loss of Dad in 1963, the love of her life. She withstood this devastating event and became the "rock" of the family.  She took on the role of both mother and father to her two young sons. She was a talented mom and raised and supported "her boys" with great love, support, and devotion. She attended many of their school, athletic, and work activities over the years.

Mom remarried twice in her life. She married Jess Peck in 1970 until his death in 1981. She then married Patrick Champion until his death in 1997. Over the years, mom continued with her many activities and clubs with her husbands and friends, including golf, bridge, traveling, volunteering, and boating. With her pleasant personality, outgoing demeanor, love of life, and unforgettable laugh, she made a multitude of friends, too numerous to list. Mom is a two-time cancer survivor and lived a long, rewarding life. Being a great mom is her greatest accomplishment.

Mom is preceded in death by her son John, her husbands Bob, Jess, and Patrick, her parents Bess and George, her brothers and sisters Tom (Charlotte) Kunz, Howard (Dorothy) Kunz, Nona (Don) Kimpel, Persha (Jack) McPherson, her sister-in-law Pat (Cliff) Travis, her niece Jana Kimpel, and her nephew Cliff Travis.

Mom is survived by her son John's wife Tara and granddaughter McKenzie (Taylor) Yates, and great-granddaughter Kennedy.  She is also survived by her son Greg and his wife Kim and granddaughters Calley (Brennan) Bjorkman, Mara (Garrett) Smith, and Meg (Drew) Comito and great-grandchildren, Bridget Bjorkman, William and Thomas Smith, Paisley and Jack Comito. Surviving step-children are Shannon (Bill) Maxey, Debbie Peck, Le (Kathy) Champion, Diane Brocker, and Pat Champion Jr.  Surviving nieces and nephews who were very close to mom are Patty, Kathy, Peggy, Linda, Nada, Gloria, Carol, Margo, Lori, Tamara, Debra, Tom, and Cynda.

The family wishes to thank the Staff and Management at Rockwood at Whitworth for their outstanding care and comfort provided to mom over the last two years. Funeral arrangements are being made by Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services. At mom's request, a private family memorial service is being held at Holy Cross Cemetery. On-line memorials can be made at www.holycrossofspokane.org.