Arlene V. Metzler

Arlene V. Metzler, 84, of Salisbury Center, NY, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, May 14, 2026 in the City of Rome, NY where she had been a patient at the Abraham House for a short period of time.

She was born on June 13, 1941 in Carthage, NY and was the daughter of the late Mark and Edith (Davies) Ackles.

Arlene was educated at Dolgeville Central School and graduated with the Class of 1959. After graduation, she attended the Beaux Art School of Beauty Culture Cosmetology school in Syracuse, NY.

On October 27, 1960, Arlene was united in marriage to Walter Benthall in Syracuse, NY. Walter passed away on February 18, 1972.

On September 11, 1973, Arlene was united in marriage to James Metzler in Middleville, NY. They recently celebrated 52 years of marriage.

Arlene worked for the Licari family at Dolgeville Foodland which later became Dolgeville Big M and at their St Johnsville office for many years.

Arlene was a member of the St Paul’s Universalist Church in Little Falls, NY.

She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, Salisbury Town Planning Board, Dibble Tuttle Cemetery Association, Little Falls American Legion, Dolgeville Lioness Club, the Dolgeville Alumni Reunion group, Dolgeville Ladies Bowling League and the Little Falls Ladies Golf League.

Her most precious time was spent in the company of her loving family, whom she adored. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Arlene will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Arlene is survived by her husband James, children, Walter (Theresa) Benthall of Cazenovia, NY, Leslie (Phil) Edick of Little Falls, NY and Jaime Lyn Metzler of Dolgeville, NY; grandchildren, Jennifer (Pat) Potaczala, Kyle Edick, Laura Benthall and Logan Mickey; great grandchildren, Levi Potaczala and Annie Thompson; brother, John (Linda) Ackles of Dallas, NC; brother in law Robert (Ann) Metzler of Fredericton, Canada; sister in law Kathy Hutchinson of Amsterdam, NY; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband Walter Benthall, son James (Jimmy B) Metzler, parents Mark and Edith Ackles, sisters, O’Linda and husband, John Boggie and Annette and husband, Richard Bruntrager, brothers-in-law, Richard and wife, Betty Metzler and Keith and wife, Jeanette Metzler, sister-in-law, Genevive and husband, John Loadwick and numerous other family members who she loved dearly.

Service will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 12:30 PM at St Paul’s Universalist Church with Reverend Jeff Frank officiating at 565 Albany St, Little Falls, NY with a celebration of life immediately following at the Little Falls American Legion at 100 W Main St, Little Falls, NY.A graveside service will be held at the Dibble Tuttle Cemetery in Salisbury Center, NY at a later date.

The family is being cared for by locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329.

Arlene graciously donated her body to science with the Anatomical Gift Program with The Albany Medical College with the assistance of Hans Funeral Home 1088 Western Ave, Albany, NY.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Bassett Healthcare Center in St Johnsville, NY and the Hospice and Palliative Care Team along with the Abraham House in Rome, NY who were wonderful to Arlene and family.

Please consider memorial contributions for the following charities: Hospice and Palliative Care 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413, Dibble Tuttle Cemetery 2045 State Route 29, Dolgeville, NY 13329, or the Abraham House 417 N Washington St, Rome, NY 13440.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Metzler Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for her online memorial book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arlene V. Metzler, please visit our floral store.