Nellie Marie “Toots” (Hicks) Metcalf, 81, Milford, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Nov. 23, 2016, at 1:15 a.m. at Hospice House in Elkhart.

She died only two weeks after finding out she had Leukemia.  She used those two weeks very wisely to say her good-byes.

She was born Nov. 7, 1935 to John Hicks, Sr. and Dorothy (Smith) Cripe in Goshen. She graduated from Middlebury High School in 1953. She married Herbert Metcalf Aug. 3, 1973 in Elkhart.

She retired from Goshen Stamping after many years.  She also worked as an aide at Elkhart General Hospital working with newborn babies, which she dearly loved.  She helped Herb in their restaurant in Elkhart and served as a hostess in many restaurants in the area. She was an avid cook and loved to read, crochet, garden and can.  But most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends and loving on them.  She was a great prayer warrior and a member of the Nappanee Missionary Church, where she especially loved her Small Church Sunday School Class. They were incredibly supportive of her and Herb during the last few years of their lives.

She is survived by one brother, John (Sylvia) Hicks, Jr., North Carolina; and one sister, Patty (Lyle) Bainter, Goshen; three sons: Walter Roy (Nancy) Hershberger, Mentone; Roger (Rita) Hershberger, Goshen; and Rick (Diana) Hershberger, Cabot, Ark.; three step-sons: Brian (Pat) Metcalf, Ranier, Wash.; Barry Metcalf, Bristol; and Brent (Traci) Metcalf, South Bend; three step-daughters: Diane (Al) Henderson, Goshen; Debbie (Ken) Sharp, Elkhart; and Donna (Lonnie) Resse, Elkhart; 30 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, her parents, a brother, Glen David Hicks and a sister, Donita (John Sr.) Ward.

Her body was donated to Indiana University at her request.  A memorial service will be held at Nappanee Missionary Church Chapel, 70417 State Road 19, Nappanee, Thursday, Dec. 8 with Pastor Justin Lamason and Pastor Chris Knight officiating.  Visitation with family and friends will be at 6 p.m. with the memorial service to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Because of Nellie’s love for children (in lieu of flowers) memorials can be designated to her granddaughter who is a missionary in Africa. These may be given to the Nappanee Missionary Church (April Hershberger, Baby Center Orphanage Fund), P.O. Box 110, Nappanee, IN  46550.