Linda Kay (Metz) Stayer

Surrounded by love, Linda Kay Metz Stayer passed away peacefully and entered eternal rest with our Lord in heaven, leaving behind a lifetime of love and devotion that will be carried on by her family. Born June 12, 1949, to Bobby DeLoy Metz and Florabelle (Dixon) Metz, she lived a life defined by dedication to her family, her career, and her community. She was baptized at the Edgerton Church of Christ and carried her faith with her in the way she lived and loved others.

A 1967 graduate of Edgerton High School in Edgerton, Ohio, Linda was an active and spirited student. She served as a cheerleader and was a proud member of the Edgerton Drillettes, earning the honor of Captain during her senior year.

After graduating high school, Linda pursued her passion for cosmetology at Ravenscroft Beauty College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, graduating in 1968. Over the next decade she developed her skills in local salons while nurturing her dream of entrepreneurship, which she brought to life in 1978 opening Stayer’s Styling Salon. Throughout a 50-year career, she cultivated deep and lasting connections with her clients before retiring in 2018.

On July 13,1968, Linda married the love of her life, Ronald Eugene Stayer, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Edgerton, Ohio, and together they built a beautiful life in Auburn, Indiana, sharing 55 years of marriage before Ron passed away on October 5, 2023. They shared a deep love of travel, especially to Mexico and Florida, along with memorable trips to Europe and the Caribbean. They were often joined by their children and grandchildren making those experiences even more meaningful. At home, Linda treasured her family, finding great joy attending her grandchildren’s activities and gathering together—often around a lively game of cards.

Linda gave generously of her time and talents through her extensive involvement in the Miss America and Miss America Teen Organization. She served as Director of the Miss Auburn Pageant for many years and later contributed to the Miss Northeast Scholarship Program. In 2007, she joined the Miss Indiana Scholarship Program State Board as Teen Judges Chair and Field Director, a role she held for eight years until health challenges required her to step back. Even then, she continued coaching young women in interview skills through 2017, finding great joy in mentoring and watching them grow into confident, accomplished individuals—many of whom became friends.

Linda’s commitment to service extended beyond her family to her memberships in Tri Kappa and the Auburn Elks Ladies, where she served a term as President. Linda and Ron were also longtime members of the Auburn Elks, where they formed lasting friendships through years of involvement and volunteering.

Linda is survived by her three children: Tina (Henry) Schrock of Wolcottville; Tara (Mark) Boessler of Elkhart; and Todd (Jennifer) Stayer of Rome City. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren: Kyle (Rebecca) Schrock; Kerri (Landon) Tackett; Elise Boessler (Jake Scholz); Lauren Boessler (fiancé Jack Steele); Rayna Boessler; Jordan Stayer; and Traeton Stayer. Her legacy continues through her four great-grandchildren: Michael and Lillyann Schrock, and Thad and Tate Tackett. Each of them brought immense joy and light to her life.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law Brenda Stayer, and brother-in-law, Terry (Shawn) Stayer, along with several beloved nieces and nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, along with her parents Bobby and Florabelle Metz; her brother and sister-in-law, Samuel and Rachael Metz; and her brothers-in-law, Jeff and Randy Stayer.

In May 2012, Linda was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma. With remarkable strength and determination, she faced her diagnosis head-on for 14 years, enduring numerous treatments—including  radiation, chemotherapy, surgeries, cyberknife procedures, and lung cryoablation—while continuing to live her life with resilience, grace, and unwavering love for her family.

Visitation will be from 1 - 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn. 

Funeral services will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, following visitation at the funeral home. D.V. Dillinger will be officiating. 

Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the DeKalb Humane Society, P.O. Box 806, Auburn, Indiana 46706 or to the Miss Northeast Scholarship Program, c/o Kim McCutchan, 8321 Sagimore Court, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. 

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