Shirley Beth Noble Metzger Sackschewsky, 91, died peacefully on Sept. 23, 2026, in Wichita, Kan. Shirley was born June 25, 1935, in Rock Creek, Kan., to Levi Noble and Rachael Ruth (Hurt) Noble. She married Carl Glen Metzger on April 5, 1953, in Liberty, Mo. Together, they raised five sons and were married 36 years until Carl’s passing on March 10, 1990. On May 31, 1991, Shirley married her devoted husband of more than 35 years, Rev. Marvin Lowell Sackschewsky.

Shirley valued education and obtained her degree from Ft. Hays State University and her master’s degree in education from the University of Kansas. She taught elementary education in Independence, Kan., and Great Bend, Kan. for more than 25 years. Shirley was passionate about teaching and building relationships with each student who graced her classroom, and she cherished her relationships with fellow educators and school personnel. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend, Kan. An avid reader, she was often found with a book in her hand. Her greatest joy was spending time with her sons and grandchildren.

Survivors include Shirley’s husband, Rev. Marvin Lowell Sackschewsky; sons, Alan Metzger (Emily) of Wichita, Kan., Martin Metzger of Independence, Kan., Paul Metzger (Tara) of Coffeyville, Kan., Russell Metzger (Elizabeth) of Montrose, Colo., and James Metzger of Coffeyville, Kan.; stepson Paul Sackschewsky (Leslie), Lodi, Calif.; 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Levi; mother, Ruth; stepfather, Walter W. Boyd; late husband, Dr. Carl Metzger; brother, Warren Noble (Jean); sisters and their spouses, Thelma Ruth Carpenter (Neal), Anna Cooper (Edward), Donna Ward (Carl); stepbrothers and their spouses, Elmer Boyd (Marquita), Homer Boyd (Gerry), and Thomas Boyd (Rosemary); daughter-in-law Amanda Howard Metzger; and two grandchildren.

A celebration of life followed by visitation at the First Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, Kan., on Oct. 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jim Hawthorne presiding. A celebration of life luncheon and visitation will also be held in Oskaloosa, Kan., on Oct. 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Colonial Acres with a graveside service following at 1:30 p.m. at the Oskaloosa Pleasant View Cemetery with Pastor Emily Elliott presiding. Memorials may be made to the Great Bend First Presbyterian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 13, 2026