Gay Gilmore Metz

Gay Colleen Gilmore-Metz December 21, 1937 – August 29, 2026

Gay Colleen Gilmore-Metz of Crawford, Nebraska, passed away on August 29, 2026, at the age of 88.

Gay was born on December 21, 1937, in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, to Doris Jane Duhart and Franklin Black Gilmore. From an early age, she possessed an independent spirit, a love of learning, and an extraordinary connection with horses. An accomplished equestrian, Gay represented McKean County throughout her high school years. In 1953 and 1955, Gay had the honor of showing at The National Horse Show during “The Great Madison Square Garden Show.” In 1955, she was named Reserve National Horse Show Equitation Champion. Her love for horses and riding continued throughout the rest of her life. Horses were never simply a hobby for Gay—they were woven into the fabric of who she was.

After graduating from Port Allegany High School, Gay continued her education at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Gay then continued her education at Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey, graduating as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), an accomplishment that reflected both her intelligence and determination at a time when women were still carving out their place in the medical profession.

In November 1978, Gay married Edward A. Metz. Together, they built a life centered around medicine, service, adventure, and family. Gay and Ed practiced medicine in many communities across the country, finally settling in Crawford, Nebraska, on a ranch in the countryside. Shortly before settling in Crawford, their union was completed by the adoption of their two sons, Franklin and Timothy Gilmore-Metz. Gay and Ed continued to practice medicine in Northwest Nebraska until their retirements and lived in the countryside until their passing.

Gay was preceded in death by her husband, Edward A. Metz; her parents, Doris Jane Duhart and Franklin Black Gilmore; her brother, Franklin Black Gilmore Jr.; several beloved aunts and uncles; and her great-grandson, Omari Franklin Lopez.

Gay is survived by her sons, Franklin Gilmore-Metz, and Timothy Gilmore-Metz and his wife, Aubrey; her stepdaughters, Donna Metz, Joanne Hitchcock and her husband, Harvard, and Barb Franklin and her husband, Clyde; her grandchildren, Jenny, Jamie, Tyrone, Andrea, Gabrielle, Jackie, and Roman; and twelve beloved great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 17, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the family ranch at 211 East Belmont Rd., Crawford, NE. A reading honoring Gay’s life and memory will occur at 1:30 pm.

Donations can be made to the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department or the Methodist Church. Donations can be mailed to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Crawford, NE 69339.

Gay’s greatest joys were found in simple things: a good cup of coffee, Walker’s shortbread cookies, dark chocolate, beautiful flowers, a stack of things to read, and time spent at the ranch.

Above all, Gay loved her family. Nothing compared to the love she had for her husband, Ed, and her two sons, Franklin and Timothy. Her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, horses, animals, and the generations of memories created at the ranch were among the greatest treasures of her life.

Gay’s life was full, remarkable, and entirely her own. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.