Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home Obituaries

Obituary Preview: Terri Jo Zimmerman, 61, of Lincoln, Nebraska and formerly of Peru, passed away at 5:00 AM, Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Bryan Memorial Hospital-East in Nebraska. She was born in Peru on December 5, 1960 the daughter of Hugh and Donna (Otiker) Stone. Terri married Dale Zimmerman in 2005 and he survives.Terri was a 1979 graduate of Maconaquah High School and attended Peoria Church. She enjoyed basket weaving and reading and listening to books. Most of all Terri loved her cats, which were her fur babies.In addition to her husband Dale, Terri is survived by children: Geoff and Gregg Zimmerman and her special friend Apryl; a sister Trudy Ribble and her husband Danny and a brother Tim Stone; her in-laws Richard and Irene Ealy; nieces Lacey Ribble and Jayme Hargrove; nephews Allen Stone and Kolby Ribble: several great nieces and nephews and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Hugh and Donna Stone.Graveside services will be held at a later date.Memorial contributions may be made through the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, IN to the Scratching Post Cat Rescue.

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Obituary Preview: Robert Watson 'Binks' Biddle, Jr. passed away on the morning of March 30, 2022. Binks leaves behind a son, Robert Watson Biddle III (Lindsey) of Lewiston, ID, and a daughter, Skyla Marie Biddle of Indianapolis. Binks is also survived by four grandchildren, Reason & Linden (Robert) in Lewiston and Kyron & Kendrick (Skyla) in Indianapolis. Binks has two surviving sisters, Susan Greer (Larry) of Lafayette and Jennifer Biddle of Indianapolis and is preceded in death by his late sister Patricia Biddle. Binks will also be deeply missed by Becky Brauneller, his loving partner for the past two years. Binks was the son of Robert and Margret Biddle. Binks’s father, known as Yogi by so many in the Peru area, very successfully coached and taught school at Peru High School. Binks attended Elmwood grade school and graduated from Peru High in 1971. He graduated with honors and was a member of the basketball and baseball teams. He was an outstanding baseball player and earned a baseball scholarship to Purdue University. Binks worked in sales throughout his career and was very good at it. For the past 15 years, until his retirement, he worked at RA-COMM in Lafayette offering industrial radio and telecommunications equipment. A diet of steady cold calls while driving 400 miles in one day demonstrated the dedication he had to his craft. He was always the leading salesperson and considered his clients his friends. Speaking of friends, no one made, nurtured and cherished friendships like Binks. His classmates in grade school, 60 years later, are still some of his best friends. He had relationships with so many high school and college buddies which continued over many years . And uniquely Binks, he had a nickname for just about everyone...Cardo, Gerge, Bake, Big Fella, July, Down-bound, Bart and on and on. Binks was genuine, sincere and had a joy for life that made him unique and a dear friend to so many. He always made you feel he was glad to see you. Binks, just like his dad, was an avid sports fan. Baseball was his specialty, and he excelled at baseball trivia. Being in a room with Bake, Cardo, Dr. Dunk, Gerge, and others, meant there was real bragging rights on the line. And of course, a lot of laughs along the way as to who could out do the others. Binks was hard to beat. Fishing was also a passion for Binks. Whether it was fishing the banks of the Wabash, floating the Eel river, catching Walleye in Canada, crappie in AL, or sheepshead on the flats in FL. Binks was always fun to fish with. And on those fishing adventures it often didn’t matter if fish were caught or not. Bink’s son Robert, is an avid fisherman, and when those two fished, it got a little more serious...was it father or son who caught the most/biggest. Binks truly enjoyed being on the water, fishing with his son. Binks retired in January of 2019 and lived in the “Biddle” house. The house he grew up in on Monroe Street. Binks acquired the house when his father’s estate was settled several years earlier. He completely remodeled the house and added a terrific back patio with the top grilling equipment. He was very proud of his “new” home and planned to live there for many years. Grilling and smoking meats had become a passion for Binks. He became excellent at smoking meats and would often smoke a whole pork shoulder but with the intent of giving 90% to his friends and neighbors...that was just Binks...sharing his wealth and bringing a smile to so many others. Binks found a wonderful partner too late in his life. Becky and Binks' love for each other was evident to everyone. Both enjoyed life with such positive outlooks. Becky’s care for Binks these last nine months was the most heartfelt and heart wrenching one could imagine. Her love and care will be long remembered. Binks fought pancreatic cancer to the end. As told by his closest friends, his bravery and strength to fight on, knowing the inevitable outcome, made those closest to him proud and often tearful. Binks was loved by many. He will be remembered as a caring father, a smart and well-read man, a tough as nails athlete, a top-shelf salesman, and a VERY SPECIAL, ONE of KIND friend. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 23rd, open to the public from 12pm to 1:30 P.M. and private family gathering from 1:30 to 4:00P.M. at the Riverview Event Center on Canal Street in Peru, IN. All are welcome and the family encourages donations to the Peru YMCA in lieu of flowers or gifts. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 West Main Street, Peru.

Obituary Preview: Danny E. Phillips, 63, passed away at 3:15 P.M., Saturday, March 26, 2022 in Johnson City, TN. Danny was born in Wabash, IN on June 19, 1958, the son of Earl and Carol Connor Phillips. He married Jettie Kathern “Kathy” Harris on November 22, 1980 and she preceded him in death on January 26, 2022. Danny was a diesel mechanic by trade, but was ready with a warm smile and a listening ear to anyone he met. Surviving are sons Randy Thacker of MS and Micheal Thacker of TN; grandchildren Gabriel Thacker and Isaac Thacker. Danny was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kathy and a son Curtis Barrett. A graveside service, celebrating the life of Danny Phillips will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Mt. Hope Cemetery Chapel, 411 N. Grant St., Peru, IN. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, Peru

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Obituary Preview: Adam Patrick Williams, 37, of Kokomo, passed away at 6:57 P.M., Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at St. Vincent Hospital of Kokomo.  Adam was born in Peru, on July 2, 1984, the son of Stephen and Nanette Williams.Adam was a 2003 graduate of Maconaquah High School, a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church  and had worked at Chrysler.  Adam had a caring heart that shined through  his love for his children his family and  friends.Surviving is his father Stephen (Candace) Williams, Galveston, his mother Nanette (Dennis) Orpurt, Peru, son Aiden P. Williams, Peru, Grandfather John R. Williams, Peru,  fiancée Andrea Graham, brothers Michael (Susana) Williams, Peru and Seth Williams, Peru, Uncles John (Debbie) Williams, Gary (Teresa) Williams and  Ronald (Tammy) Williams, Aunts Pat (Carl) Wade and Mary (Dean) Ramsey and nieces and nephews Kaleb Williams, Brayden Williams, Logan Williams, Lacie Williams, Susie Archuleta, Luis Tinoco and Daniel Blanco.   He was preceded in death by his son Evan Lee Williams.A service celebrating the life of Adam P. Williams will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, March 21, 2022 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, 181 W. Main St., Peru with Pastor Kenneth Greenwald officiating.  Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.  Family and friends will gather from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M., Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru.Memorial donations may be made to the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home to help the Williams family with  funeral expenses.

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Obituary Preview: Shirley M. Halterman, 85, of Peru, IN passed away at 4:10 AM, Friday, February 11, 2022 at Blair Ridge Health Campus. She was born in Miami County, IN the daughter of Allie and Mildred (Smith) Wilson. Shirley married Conrad Warder on February 15, 1957 at Peoria United Methodist Church and he preceded her in death on August 29, 1977. She later married Lewis Halterman at Bachelor Creek Church of Christ on November 10, 1990 and he preceded her on May 13, 2017.Shirley was a 1955 graduate of Butler High School and a member of Bachelor Creek Church of Christ. In 1978 she began working for Peru Trust/Norwest Bank and proudly served her community for 17 years until her retirement as Branch Manager of Wells Fargo in Mexico in 1995. An active member of the community, Shirley was a former member of Altrusa, an active member of Dukes Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Bachelor Creek Ladies Aid and served on the Board of Directors of the Peru Civic Center.Shirley is survived by her children Conrad (Krista) Warder, Jr. of Peru and Shannon Warder-Cloutier of Huntington, IN; step-children Robert (Sherry) Halterman of Macy, IN, Gary (Loretta) Halterman of Macy, IN, and Crystal (Tim) Noakes of Logansport, IN; brothers George (Carol) Wilson of Peru, Terry Hann of Wabash, IN and Allie Ray (Cynthia) Wilson of Peru; sisters Amy Niccum of Wabash, IN and Lana Sue (Eddie) Webb of Wabash, IN; grandchildren Nicole (Kyle) Amor, Conrad Warder, III, Sarah (Dean) Gaddy, Mitchell (Justina) Cloutier, II and Sabryna Cloutier; many step grandchildren and several great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. In addition to her spouses, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and infant son Matthew.A service celebrating the life of Shirley M. Halterman will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru with Pastor Shane Capps officiating. Burial will follow at Peoria Cemetery. Family and friends will gather from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home.

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Obituary Preview: Jettie Kathern “Kathy” Phillips, 68, passed away at 6:35 AM, Wednesday January 26, 2022 at her residence in Johnson City, TN. She was born in Pike County, KY, on November 19, 1953, the daughter of Carl and Nancy Justice Harris. Kathy married Danny Phillips on November 22, 1980 and he survives. Kathy had a heart for the elderly, and it show in the care she gave to all those she worked with in the nursing home as a CNA. She was a member of the Answer Baptist Church and treasured the time with her family and friends. Surviving in addition to her husband, Danny, are her sons Randy Thacker of MS and Micheal Thacker of TN.; grandchildren Gabriel Thacker and Isaac Thacker; two brothers and two sisters. She was preceded by a son, Curtis Barrett and four brothers. A graveside service, celebrating the life of Jettie “Kathy” Phillips will be held, at 11:00 A.M., Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the Mount Hope Chapel, 411 N. Grant Street, Peru. Arrangements are entrusted to the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, Peru.

Obituary Preview: Otis R. Fitchpatrick, 73, of Amboy passed away at 6:45 PM, Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Lutheran Hospital-Fort Wayne. He was born in Kokomo, IN on March 22, 1948, the son of James and Lila McCallister Fitchpatrick. Otis married Phyllis Birkey on June 28, 1991 and she survives.Otis attended Kokomo High School, New Life Church in Kokomo, IN and  worked at Delco for 31 years. A United States Marine Corp Veteran, Otis served in Vietnam in the Tet Offensive. His military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Purple Heart Medal.A man of great faith, Otis loved his Lord and Savior and was a devoted husband, father, step-father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Otis adored his grand kids and loved nothing more than passing time with them and his family. He also enjoyed being out in nature hunting and fishing. When not outdoors he liked to play the game Jokers and spending time with his friends at church.Surviving in addition to his wife Phyllis are children Josh Fitchpatrick and Tabitha Fitchpatrick; step-children Angela Yeoman, Brian Lewis and Shane Bolton; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and sisters Karlene, Deloris, and Gloria. He was preceded in death by his parents, three grandchildren, a brother and a sister.A service celebrating the life of Otis R. Fitchpatrick will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Bennetts Switch Community Church, 2261 W. State Road 18, Kokomo, IN 46901, with Pastor Devon Galloway officiating. Friends and family will gather from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, January 28, 2022 as well as one hour prior to the service at Bennetts Switch Community Church.

Obituary Preview: Diane M. Powell, 67, of Kokomo passed away at 9:42 PM, Friday, January 14, 2022 at Ascension St. Vincent-Kokomo. She was born in Rochester, IN on May 15, 1954, the daughter of Weldon and Mary Troyer Christner. On August 25, 1984 Diane married David Powell and he survives. Diane was a 1972 graduate of Maconaquah High School, a member of the Family Worship Center in Kokomo and worked as a Program Technician for Farm Service Agency for 30 years. She loved being outdoors, especially on summer days. Diane could frequently be found tending her flowers during the day, gazing at the stars at night and greatly appreciated a good full moon on those warm summer eves. Her children and grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life. She treasured spending time with those she loved and cared for and will be intensely missed by all. Surviving in addition to her husband David are her mother Mary Christner of Peru; son Michael Powell and his wife Ashantae of Bunker Hill; daughter Katie McMillen and her husband John of Fort Wayne; grandchildren Grace Powell, Lennon Powell and J.T. McMillen and sister Elizabeth Helms and her husband Mike of Peru. She was preceded in death by her father Weldon Christner. Family and friends will gather from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Saturday at the Family Worship Center, 1149 E. Center Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A service celebrating the life of Diane M. Powell will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the Family Worship Center with Pastor James Bradley officiating. The family asks that COVID-19 procedures of social distancing and masks are encouraged.

Obituary Preview: Peggy June Bowles, 88, formerly of Peru and Kokomo, IN, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Heritage Pointe of Huntington.  She was born in Cass County, IN, on June 7, 1933, the daughter of Charles and Cleo Thomas Starkey. On June 19, 1955, Peggy married Benton “Benny” Bowles, Jr. at the Burrows Presbyterian Church, and he preceded her in death on February 18, 2018.After graduating with honors from Delphi High School in 1951, Peggy attended Ball State University earning her BA in Education in 1955 and her Master’s in Secondary Education in 1956. Following graduation, Peg taught fourth grade in Muncie for a year, and then moved to Peru Community Schools where she taught at Holman, Ridgeview, Elmwood and Blair Pointe Elementary Schools, serving on state education committees and retiring in 2000 after 43 years of service. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Ball State, Psi Iota Xi Sorority of Peru, the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, the First Christian Church of Peru and the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Kokomo.Peggy was an admired and beloved teacher by her students, co-workers and administrators. She had a love of learning that was infectious and believed you could accomplish anything with hard work, a positive attitude and compassion. She thought of and loved all her students as if they were her children. Even after retiring, she tutored at-risk high school students in Kokomo. One of them telling her that she was the only adult who had ever really listened to her. She also loved being a basketball and baseball coaches’ wife going to all the games and cheering loudly, fixing many meals for the teams and making scrap books of Benny’s many accomplishments. The players were family to them.Peggy, the daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend loved life! Generous with her time, talent and resources to all. She loved being involved in the community, church and bible study, music and playing the piano especially accompanying the Peru Children’s Orchestra, art (which she minored in at Ball State), playing bridge with friends, and was an avid reader, especially of romance and mystery novels. But what she loved most, besides teaching and being a mother, was spoiling her 3 grandchildren. Hours were spent and memories made reading, singing, cooking, playing games, trains, legos, house, school and taking them on adventures big and small. All her life and even through these last years and the dementia, she had a radiant smile and personality that brightened everyone’s lives around her.Surviving Peggy are her daughters, Elizabeth Doelling and her husband, Robert, of Fort Wayne, IN, and Catherine Petty of Kokomo, IN, and grandchildren, Caroline Doelling, Evan Doelling, and Zachary Petty. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Benton, and brother, Richard Starkey.A private service will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 with Pastor Joyce Harris of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Kokomo, IN officiating.

Obituary Preview: Esther Kinsella, 84, of Bunker Hill, IN passed away at 4:50 AM, Sunday, January 9, 2022 at her residence. She was born in Miami County, IN on May 6, 1937, the daughter of Eldo and Elizabeth Shine Powell. Esther married John Kinsella on May 24, 1958 and he survives.Esther was a 1955 graduate of Clay High School, a member of McGrawsville Community Church and  worked as the book keeper at Bryan Steam for 21 years. She loved to be outdoors enjoying nature and  flowers. Always the  adventurer Esther appreciated traveling, camping, fishing for trophy fish, spending time at the lake cottage and on the pontoon boat. Family was very important to her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved her grandchildren unconditionally and adored every moment spent with them.Surviving in addition to her husband John are daughters Kathy Ozminkowski and Linda (Mark) Childers; grandchildren J.D. (Courtney) Ozminkowski, Aaron (Calee) Ozminkowski, David (Stephanie) Childers, Eric (Kelsie) Childers and Greg (Aly) Childers and eight great-grandchildren with her ninth great-grandchild expected this Spring. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Norma Fleenor.A service celebrating the life of Esther Kinsella will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, January 14, 2022 at McGrawsville Community Church, 9377 S. 300 E., Amboy, IN with Pastor Bob Land officiating. Burial will be in Sante Fe Cemetery. Family and friends will gather from 12:00 Noon – 3:00 PM, Friday at McGrawsville Community Church.

Obituary Preview: Mary Cathleen (Hanley) Wydock, died on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the hospital in Kokomo. She was 53. A long-time resident of Peru, Indiana, Mary was born, the eighth of ten children, to Martin Francis and Dorothy Louise (Bear) Hanley in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 24, 1968.Even as a baby, Mary’s joyous and inquisitive nature shown through in her big, brilliant smile, huge, beautiful eyes, and infectious laughter. These were life-long attributes.She spent her youth surrounded by her big family and was fierce in her love for her parents and siblings. And although Mary’s love for her Hanley family meant the world to her, she was not complete until she met and married the love of her life, Bob Wydock, and until she became a mother, a dream that was realized when she was blessed with Bobby and Izzy.Mary’s family lived in the Irvington neighborhood of Indianapolis when she was born, and there, she attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic grade school. In 1977, the Hanleys moved to Fountaintown, Indiana, where Mary attended Morristown’s elementary and high schools.She worked in the Fountaintown Grocery, which was owned by her parents, but Mary’s first official job was babysitting, an occupation for which she was uniquely well-suited, given her intrinsic love of babies and children and her acute ability to connect with, nurture, and protect young people. She babysat – often with her sisters Ann and Bridget in tow – for so many kids when she was a teenager and young adult, but she cared for and formed the most lasting connection with the Land family. By no means did Mary’s nurturing end there though.Her nephews, Martin, Brian, and Michael, spent countless hours under Mary’s loving care, and her home was always open to, and a gathering place for, her nieces and nephews, many of whom spent at least part of every school vacation and holiday with Mary (and later with both Mary and Bob). All carry fond memories of these visits, during which they’d watch movies, play cards, bake cookies, and just catch up. They also remember Mary always “rockin’ out” to loud music, which no doubt included her eclectic musical loves: Bruce Springsteen, Garth Brooks, and James Taylor, among others. Mary’s youngest sister Bridget shares many of these same experiences, having slept on Mary’s (and later Mary and Bob’s) couch too many times to count during her own youth. Mary filled the shoes of a big sister with ease, expertly performing the balancing act of being the protector and chaperone of Bridget and many of her high school friends while simultaneously contributing to their delinquency.In 1991, Mary met the man who would become Her Heart: Bob Wydock. At the time, Mary was working at Little Caesars, and Bob assumed the management role at her store when the usual manager was off on medical leave. Mary complained incessantly about Bob for months and was counting down the days until the former boss would return. She was devastated when Little Caesars decided to give Bob permanent management of her store, and she wasn’t sure she could continue to work there! But then, slowly, but surely, Mary came to understand that the love of her life was already right there with her, every day – a place that he would continue to hold for three decades to come.Mary loved to tell the story of how she hated Bob when they first met. It was a story that few who didn’t know them at the time could believe, considering how in sync and inseparable these soulmates became.Mary was, truth to tell, a little bit of an introvert back then.  Anyone who came to know her later would find that terribly hard to believe, but she absolutely hated to answer the phone and take pizza orders.  Bob would have to tell her that everybody answers the phone and everybody talks to the customers.  That pushed Mary so far out of her comfort zone that she wrote in her diary how much she hated the new manager and just couldn’t wait until he left.  But, time passed and Mary began to think that maybe Bob was not such a bad guy after all.On July 15, 1995, Mary and Bob were married in a park in Franklin, Indiana.  The day would set the tone for their wonderous, married life together.  There had been storms the night before and it continued to be a dark and cloudy day.  Parts of the park were flooded and there was mud everywhere.  Mary got stuck behind a bicycle race and was late to her wedding.  But, during the ceremony, the sun came out and shone down upon them as though God Himself was blessing their union.  As soon as the ceremony was finished, the clouds moved in and the thunder rumbled in the background.  Everyone laughed, ran to the vehicles, and the reception was suddenly and quite spontaneously held at her brother Anthony’s house.  This set the stage for their married life: plenty of drama and laughter.Mary wanted more than anything to be a mother, and that dream was realized through her relationship with her “bonus” son Robert (Bobby), who was 13 when she and Bob married, and with the birth of her daughter, Elizabeth (Izzy), in 2001.Even after motherhood, Mary continued to be a guiding force in the lives of other children and young people, too, including Bobby and Izzy’s friends, kids in the neighborhood, and too many others to recount. Mary’s ability to connect with and mentor young people was due in no small part to her own youthful enthusiasm. She had an unabashedly joyous approach to life and all the possibilities it holds as well as an empathetic and understanding nature. Her youthful spirit made her special and memorable to so many people, and is also the reason that “sweetheart” is one of the most common ways in which so many have always described Mary.Though Mary didn’t possess a great deal of formal education, she was one smart cookie, and had a salt-of-the-earth or homespun disposition that helped her form and maintain connections with people from all walks of life. She made friends everywhere she went and came to know so much about every person with whom she connected. These are traits she shared with her parents. Mary proudly accepted that she had her dad’s temper and her mom’s ability to hold a grudge, too, but she also had her mom’s gracious ability to forgive, even with those that left her with lasting and painful scars. Although she sometimes grappled with forgiveness herself, she tried to impart lessons about the importance of forgiveness and acceptance to each and every one of the children for whom she cared. She wholeheartedly believed in loving people for who they are, shortcomings and all. Mary loved to laugh, and was a joy to laugh with, more traits that she shared with her mother. And she had her dad’s ability to remember details, which was evident in her ability to recall everyone’s birthdays and wedding anniversaries, and she never missed the chance to wish someone joy and happiness on their special day!Mary loved parties and social gatherings and looked forward to spending time with friends and family, but home was her bliss, because that’s where Bob and Izzy were. She was intensely proud of both of her children and loved watching them grow and blossom. She took tremendous joy in sharing the news of their achievements with others. Mary loved keeping in touch with friends and family, near and far. She reveled in learning new things. She loved a good love story, and was addicted to CBS’s soap operas when she was young. She loved music and singing, and was thrilled to discover new songs and performers – regardless of genre – that touched her soul or tugged on her heartstrings. She loved to play euchre and other games and was quite competitive. She liked watching professional football and yelling at the T.V. She LOVED her Cincinnati Reds. She loved watching boxing matches with her father, and was happy to just sit, talk, and LAUGH with her mother, and laugh they did! She treasured her time with her brothers and sisters, including her honorary brother, Dan Brunk, no matter what they were doing. She sometimes fought like a banshee with her brothers and sisters, and with others in the family, too, but she also fought even harder for ANY family member when she felt it necessary, for any reason whatsoever, because family was everything to Mary!That focus on family was precisely why Mary enjoyed genealogy so much, why she was so elated at the birth of each new niece or nephew, and so happy with the addition of every boyfriend/girlfriend/fiancé/spouse to the big family picture. She loved telling people about her family, and she was, at her core, a romantic. She was thrilled when she felt one of her family members had found true love. That’s because she, herself, understood just how amazing true love is. After all, that is what she found with her best friend, lover, and husband, Bob – Her Heart. Mary was sensitive and emotional. She was quick to tears and to laughter, and often just as fast on the trigger with her temper. She wore her heart on her sleeve, but was also as tough as nails. She loved to celebrate and complain. She could be dramatic and demanding, but was also steady and pragmatic. Mary was as real as they come. She was who she was and never apologized for it!Her absence makes us incomplete and we will love and miss her always. Mary was, however, also a force of nature, and just like Mother Nature, her influence will never be diminished. She is forever with and a part of us.Mary is survived by her husband, Robert L. Wydock, Jr., her daughter Elizabeth Wydock of Peru, IN, and her son Robert L. (Angel) Wydock, III, of Anderson, IN; her grandchildren, Robert Wydock, IV, Hayden Bell, Arabella Wydock, and Rose Wydock, all of Anderson, IN;  her siblings, Kevin Hanley of Indianapolis, IN, Dennis (Lisa) Hanley of Indianapolis, IN, Nora (Todd) Brant of St. Paul, IN, Margaret Hanley of Fountaintown, IN, Terence Hanley, of Athens, OH, Anthony (Christina) Hanley of Greenwood, IN, Timothy Hanley of New Castle, IN, Ann Hanley of Peru, IN, and Bridget Hanley of Fountaintown, IN; her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, Christina (Damon), Xavier, Connor; Kathy, Sean, Ashley, Draven; Casey (Aaron), Galen; Sharon; Erin; Martin (Emily), Nathaniel, Serra (dec.), Jonathan, Maria, Zachary; Brian (Shannen); Michael; Amanda (Clarence); Megan (Alan), Evvie; Morgan (Martín), Ambrosio, José, Martín, Miguel; Emily (Keith); Kara (Christopher), Benjamin, Lucas; Krystin, Rylen Grace, P.J.; Glen Ethan (Bree); Tyler (Tiffany), Bentley, Gracelyn; and Joel; her father-in-law, Robert L. (Jackie) Wydock,, Sr.; brother-in-law, Kenneth Wydock; sister-in-law, Lorraine McLaughlin; and by aunts, an uncle, cousins, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Dorothy, and by her brothers-in-law, Stanley and David Wydock.A Memorial Mass, celebrating the life of Mary Cathleen Wydock, will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, January 17, 2022, at St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 W. 5th St., Peru, IN with Rev. Kyle Neterer officiating.  We invite and encourage all to attend a get-together which will occur in the St. Charles school gymnasium immediately following the services. Food will be served and all are invited to attend.Memorial contributions may be made through Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, IN to The ALS Association and any charity that helps out our Military Veterans.  Flowers and plants are also welcomed and will help to brighten the day.The Family wishes to thank all who have offered their love, prayers, kindness, and support, but particularly to Gretchen, Alex and Natalie, Christina, Dan, John, Tracy, Mike …  There are simply too many to name, but please know that you are not forgotten and we are exceptionally grateful.

Obituary Preview: Ruth P. Carrothers, 90, of Peru, passed away at 1:30 A.M., Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at her residence. She was born in Macy, IN on December 20, 1931, the daughter of Lester and Chloe (Walker) Floyd. Ruth married Brice Carrothers on May 19, 1951 at the Gilead Ebenezer Church and he preceded her in death on December 6, 2013. Ruth was a graduate of the Macy High School and a member of Salem Christian Church. She worked for Maconaquah School Corp for 24 years. Ruth loved being outside mowing and working in her yard. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth is survived by a son, Larry (Jenny) Carrothers of Peru; a daughter-in-law Susan Carrothers of Peru; a brother David Floyd of Denver, IN; a sister Adella Wilson of South Bend, IN; grandchildren Elizabeth (Tim) Althouse, Austin Carrothers, Brittany (Dustin) Taylor, Jacob (Chenoa) Cox,; great-grandchildren Olivia Gutbrod, Teigan Althouse, Alyssa Althouse, Maverick Althouse, Kiara Cox, Ailonia Cox, Kaylee Cox, Conner Cox, Owen Taylor, Huntley Taylor, Jackson Taylor and Tessa Taylor Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Brice, a son Gary Carrothers, 3 sisters and a brother. A service celebrating the life of Ruth P. Carrothers will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, January 10, 2022 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 West Main St., Peru with Pastor Mike Williams officiating. Burial will be in Rankin Cemetery. Family and friends will gather from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Monday at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home.

Obituary Preview: Marlee Fishback, 97, of Peru, passed away at 10:10 P.M., Friday, December 24, 2021 at her residence. She was born in Peru on October 2, 1924, the daughter of Herman and Mary Bowers Welke. Marlee married Albert Fishback on March 26, 1944 and he preceded her in death on December 27, 2010. Marlee was a 1942 graduate of Peru High School and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Her mission in life was her family and it was her role as family matriarch that most will remember her. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and loved her family unconditionally. Surviving are daughters Lee Ann Spranger and her husband Harold of Ft. Wayne and Michelle Darling and her husband Michael of Waynesville, OH; sons Kevin Fishback of Peru and Mark Fishback and his wife Sharon Suwanee, GA; a sister Sara Welke of Peru; grandchildren Andrew (Roxanne) Fishback, Megan (Ben) Pastian, Krista (Michael) Thena, Tracey (Brian) Hepner and Lindsey (Jonathan) Blessing; great-grandchildren Ashley (Taylor) Miller, Mitchel (Maddison) Spranger, Lauren (Philip) Girard, Haley Pastian and Charlotte Blessing and Katelyn (Nic) Mathieson and great-greatgrandchildren Blakelyn Spranger, Felicity Girard, A service celebrating the life of Marlee Fishback will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 31, 2021 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 181 W. Main St., Peru with Pastor Kenneth Greenwald officiating. Burial will be in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Family and friends will gather from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M., Friday at the church.

Obituary Preview: Our hero, William Paul "Bill" Wolfe Jr., Peru, passed peacefully from his 93-year earthly life on Thursday Dec. 23, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne holding the hand of his oldest grandson, William Paul Wolfe IV. He was born July 16, 1928 to William Paul and Edna Marie (Prather) Wolfe Sr. In 1946, he began following the footsteps of his father and went to work for Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad in Muncie as a telegraph operator. In 1948, he joined the U.S. Army where he attained the rank of Corporal. He served in the occupation of Korea, later stationing in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he ran a telecommunications office until 1950 when he was honorably discharged and awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Immediately afterward, he went to work for the Wabash Railroad, which later became Norfolk & Western and subsequently Norfolk & Southern, where he retired as a dispatcher in 1990. On November 25, 1951, he married Barbara Jean Summers in Montpelier, Ohio. She preceded him in death January 16, 2014. Bill was a loving father, husband, and friend, always putting the needs of others ahead of his own. In 1963, he and his younger brother Reginald Wolfe founded Wolfe's Sunoco in Mexico, which Reggie continues to operate today. Bill enjoyed woodworking, building beautiful furniture for the family. After retirement, he turned his hobby into a small business building picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. He volunteered at Helping Hands and Meals on Wheels for many years. He attended Mexico Baptist Church and First Church of the Brethren. He was also a life member and Past Exalted Ruler of Peru Elks Lodge #365. Bill was predeceased by one son, William Paul Wolfe III, two sisters, Patsy Plaue and Barb Beachler, and a brother, Courtney Wolfe. Keeping his memory are one son, Michael Wolfe (Diane), Macy; three daughters, Gina P. Lopez, Peru; Julie A. White (Carl), Peru; and Amanda Redman, Peru: daughter-in-law Brenda Wolfe, Peru; one sister, Sharon Staller (Jerry), Garrett, two brothers, Reginald Wolfe (Karla), Mexico, and Ronnie Wolfe (Linda), Fort Wayne; Thirteen grandchildren, William Paul Wolfe IV (Christine) Cambridge City, Jeffrey W. Wolfe, Indianapolis, Noah Wolfe (Trinda) Weston, MO, Joseph Wolfe, Delphi, Amber M. (Kenny) Wheetley, Macy, Brandi Turner (Lawrence), Peru, Christian Wolfe, Macy, Melissa Rood (Robert), Peru, Zachary (Stefanie) White, Macy, April Lopez, Peru, Tony Lopez, Indianapolis, Gipsy Redman, Indianapolis, Kalika Redman, Chicago; three step-grandchildren Dawn Stapleton (Jessie Sons), Cynthia Elliott (James), and Anthony Stapleton (Jen), Peru; Great-Grandchildren Anne Marie Wolfe, Tommy Wolfe, Jordan Wolfe, Quinn Wolfe, Lorelei Wolfe, Hannah Grismore, Reece Grismore, Abby Rood, Robert Rood, Rebecca Rood, Savannah Rood, JC White, Benjamin White, Levi White, Hailey Wolfe, Mackenzie Wolfe, Brady Turner, Toby Turner, Audrey Turner, Jase Wolfe, Carter Hopper, and Maci Durham; step great-grandchildren, Nicholas Stapleton, Dalton Church, Cheyenne Sons, Nevaeh Elliott, Angelina Elliott, Hannah Mueller, Hannah Garcia, Emily Stapleton and Kyndal Wheetley; one great-great-grandchild, Charlee Rood; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. A celebration of his amazing life will be held at 3 pm Wednesday in Mexico Baptist Church with military rites provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Family and friends may call noon until the time of service. A private graveside service will be held later at Ever Rest Memorial Park.

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Obituary Preview: Diana Kay Chism, 75, of Kokomo, passed away at 11:36 A.M., Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at St. Vincent of Kokomo.  She was born in Peru, on March 2, 1946, the daughter of Charles and Margaret Cochran McCutcheon.   Diana married Dale Chism on Sept 26, 1965 and he preceded her in death on May 16, 2019.Diana was a 1964 graduate of North Miami High School and retired from Maconaquah School Corp. as a Maintenance worker.  She was an active member of the Abundant Life Church in Peru, serving on various committees.  Diana was an avid bingo player and enjoyed playing games with her family.   She showed us how to live beautifully, truthfully and with faith filled simplicity.Diana is survived by a son Steven Chism and his wife Teresa of San Antonio, TX; a daughter Deborah Overton and her husband Shawne of Kokomo; grandchildren Kyrsten Koelling, Wylen (Macie) Overton and Chaz (Megan) Chism and sisters Carol Chism, Peru, Patricia (Howard) Bagley, Peru and Vickie Myers, Monticello.A private funeral service, Celebrating the life of Diana K. Chism was held at 7:00 P.M., Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, with Pastor Caylob Baldwin officiating.

Obituary Preview: Cynthia Elaine Price, 73, of Peru passed away at 5:20 PM, Monday, December 13, 2021 at Dukes Memorial Hospital.She was born August 26, 1948 at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana. She graduated from Harrison High School, Evansville, Indiana in 1966 and from Depauw University, School of Nursing, in 1970. She practiced nursing for 43 years, the last being as hospice nurse for Guardian Angel Hospice.She married Jeff August 29, 1970. They were married 51 years. She is survived by her husband, her children: Elizabeth and Drew; her grandchildren: Graham, Ian, Jake, Morgan and George; mother-in-law Ann West and in laws: Jenni, Jim and Janet; her mother Nancey DeVoe. She is also survived by her sisters, Rebecca and Molly; her brothers Kevin, Tim, Mike and Dan.Being a part of two large families, she is also survived by her stepmother Cindi and her children Char, Cher and Chad. She was predeceased by her father Milton Devoe, Jr. and her mother Doris.Those who know Cynthia, both family and her patients, recall her smile, her kindness and her empathy. All of which are sorely needed in our world today. She will be missed.A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Cynthia E. Price will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, December 17, 2021 at St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 W. 5th St., Peru with Rev. Adam Mauman officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday, December 16, 2021 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru. There will be a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.