Ruth Jean Quinn Metcalf

Ruth Jean Quinn Metcalf, 94, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Emerald Ridge Heath and Rehabilitation Center.

A native of and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, she was a 1948 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School and was a 6th Degree Back Belt in Karakido. She retired in 1993 following 25 years of service with the United States Postal Service as a Rural Letter Carrier. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church since 1988 and served in the Civil Air Patrol for over 70 years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

She was the last surviving child of ten of the late William Walter Quinn and Luna Elizabeth Butler Quinn, and was the wife of the late James T. Metcalf who died in 1981.

Surviving are four generations of nieces and nephews, including her niece, Shirley Parker and husband Bill of Asheville, and their children: William Casey Parker, Gary Bryan Parker, Emily Ruth Underwood and her husband Caleb, and their children: Colton, Zachary, and Hannah Underwood.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 51 Wilburn Place, Asheville, NC 28806, with Rev. Dr. Jeffery Skopak officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with funeral honors provided by the Asheville Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10 until 11 AM at the church prior to the service.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Emerald Ridge for their exceptionally loving care and support given to Mrs. Metcalf and her family, where she was affectionately known as the “Tootsie-Roll Lady”, as well as the Emmanuel Luther Church for all their support, love, and prayers.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 51 Wilburn Place, Asheville, NC 28806.

Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Metcalf family.