The Paper of Miami County -- Dec. 29, 2021

Bring in the new year with a trip to Anita’s Boutique Your local shop for those unique gifts... for friends, family, or yourself (you deserve it).

74 N. Broadway, Peru • 765-470-2035

PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326

December 29, 2021

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Thick Sliced .................... $2.75/lb.

Bac $ Prices Good on.... 19.99 4 lbs.

Dec. 3 th 0 - Jan. th 12

FREE.

Published Weekly, Read Daily

Money for Miami County’s future

Miami County YMCA to open doors February 2022 Mark Demchak, right, gives a Media Construction tour of the new Peru/Miami County YMCA. Demchak urges all who are considering to donate to the new YMCA facility to do so before Jan. 1, 2022.

All donations will be matched up until Jan. 1.

Photo by Michelle Boswell

Vol. 2, No. 44

Proudly Serving Miami County

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THE PAPER

December 29, 2021

Seeing is believing...

This little boy saw Santa for the first time in downtown Peru. Santa, along with Light Up! Peru volunteers handed out bells, candy canes and cookies from Dreams to Reality. Donations were being accepted to help add to the lighting fund for the courthouse.

Photo by Michelle Boswell

Making Merry...

Santa Claus greeted passersby in downtown Peru. He was giving one last visit with children before making his trip around the world Christmas Eve. Photo by Michelle Boswell

606 State Road 13 North • P.O. Box 603 • Wabash, IN 46992 Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Web Address: www.thepaperofwabash.com

Staff

In our next edition, we will have the names and photos of the Celebration of Lights contest! This contest is brought to you by The Paper of Miami County and Light Up! Peru

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December 29, 2021

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THE PAPER 105 W.Third St. | Peru 765.473.6674

FUNERAL HOMES Family Owned & Operated Since 1945 and Serving All Faiths Family Funeral Directors - Thomas Leedy | Julie Leedy-Walker | Mark Frischman

A Trusted Trusted Name in Funeral Funeral Service Service

136 S. Elm St. | Bunker Hill 765.689.9411 Fax 765.473.5996 info@flowersleedyallen.com

Obituaries Michelle Lynn York, 50

Paul Schoolman, 78

Linda Lou Wright, 78

Diana Kay Chism, 75

Michelle Lynn York, 50, of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at the Community North Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Michelle was born Aug. 25, 1971. She is survived by her parents Elbert H. York III, and Diana (Gutbrod) York and her brother Jason York, two uncles George Gutbrod and Clay (Nancy) York and partner Pam Peek and her daughter Desiree (Jason) Mendenhall.

Michelle worked as an inspector for Owens-Brockway Glass Company, Lapel, Indiana.

Michelle grew up loving country music. Her favorite artist was Dolly Parton. She was a huge animal lover and never met a stray cat or dog she didn’t love. Having no children of her own she showered her love on her nephews Mikel, Trenton, and Mason York and niece Emma York. She loved to play video games, watching movies, making snow cones and latenight trips to the store with grandkids Brayden, Ciara, and Emma Mendenhall.

Visitation was held at FlowersLeedy Funeral Home 105 West Third Street, Peru Indiana Tuesday, Dec. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral service followed at 1 p.m. with pastor George McCarty officiating. Burial took place at Ever-Rest Memorial Park Cemetery in Logansport.

Memorials may be sent to the Scratching Post, 600 Chili Ave, Peru, IN., 46970.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Paul Schoolman, 78, of Peru passed away at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 17, 2021, at Dukes Memorial Hospital.

Paul was born Dec. 19, 1942, in Peru, Indiana. Following his family’s way of life, Paul was a farmer for many years. He later graduated from Indiana University of Kokomo to become a schoolteacher. Paul was a teacher with Logansport Schools for 12 years and also greatly enjoyed coaching various sports. After retiring from teaching, Paul was a realtor at Carriger Oldfather Realty up to his passing. He has always loved riding his Harley and had a passion for cycling.

Paul was preceded in death by his father Paul Schoolman, his mother Kathleen (Schroll) Schoolman, his sister Paulette (Schoolman) Roles, his sister Joan (Azbell) Mitchell, and his sister Ella Louise (Azbell) Hager. He is survived by his son Matthew Schoolman and his extended family. Throughout his life, he valued and appreciated the friendships he fostered. Those who knew Paul will remember his spirit and personality. He enjoyed talking with everyone and sharing stories and memories. Paul will be missed.

At the request of Paul, there will be no memorial service and he asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Church of Christ at Grissom.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Linda Lou Wright, 78, of Denver, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Peru.

She was born in Logansport on March 14, 1943, to Rudell and Eunice (Spencer) Sparks. She married Darrell Wright, and he survives. Linda was a homemaker. She enjoyed embroidery and cross stitching, music, cooking, and loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband and their children: Darrell Dwayne (Mary) Wright of Denver, Becky (Eric) McIntire of Rochester, and Richard Wright of Berne; as well as 11 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Leo (Luann) Sparks of Wabash and Leon (Judy) Sparks of Peru, and sister Marth (Jerry) Howard of Peru.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Betty Lou Bragg, and sister Lula Belle Sparks.

Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana.

The funeral service followed at 1 p.m., with pastor Bill McSpadden officiating. Burial took place at EverRest Memorial Park in Logansport.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Diana Kay Chism, 75, of Kokomo, passed away at 11:36 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, at St. Vincent of Kokomo. She was born in Peru, Indiana, March 2, 1946, the daughter of Charles and Margaret Cochran McCutcheon. Diana married Dale Chism Sept 26, 1965, and he preceded her in death 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, Texas; 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 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, with pastor Caylob Baldwin officiating.

More obituaries can be found on Page 4

Nicholas “Nick” Ray Roberts, 32 Nicholas “Nick” Ray Roberts passed away Dec. 17, 2021, at Dukes Memorial Hospital.

He was born July 12, 1989, to Randy and Connie (May) Roberts.

He is survived by his father; brother, Justin Lees of Peru; and sisters Heather Sturgeon and Lyndsy Lees, also of Peru.

He is preceded in death by his mother.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Have questions about the current COVID-19 status in the Miami County area?

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December 29, 2021

Obituaries Claudette Ann Downing, 86

Beverlea Joan Shoemaker, 91

Yavonne Elizabeth Druckenmiller, 53

Lowell Eugene “Gene” Bowland, 90

Claudette Ann Downing, 86, formerly of Peru, passed away Dec. 16, 2021, in Grapevine, Texas.

She was born in Lovington, Illinois, Dec. 28, 1934, the daughter of Paul and Martha Stevens Mathis.

Claudette married Eugene “Rudy” Downing Dec. 28, 1974, and he preceded her in death Jan. 30, 2016.

Claudette was a 1952 graduate of Peru High School, a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church and the Altar & Rosary Society. She was a volunteer with the Dukes Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Claudette was a prolific quilter and would travel in the quilting circles. She was a loyal and compassionate friend and always told it like it was.

She is survived by her sons Dan (Dawn) Dock of Dallas, Texas, David (Debbie) Dock of Macungie, Pennsylvania, and Paul Dock of Cucamonga, California; step children Gary (Debbie) Downing of Peru, Michael (Suzanne) Downing of Rochester, Indiana, Lisa (Gary) Loe of Peru and Timothy (Gail) Downing of Etna Green, Indiana; nine grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren, eleven step-great grandchildren and older brother Paul (Mary) Mathis of Meridian, MS. Claudette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rudy and a brother Charles Mathis.

A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Claudette Downing will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at the St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 W. 5th St., Peru with Rev. Adam Mauman officiating.

Burial will be in Ever Rest Memorial Park, Logansport, Indiana.

Family and friends will gather from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru. There will be a Prayer Service at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to the St. Charles Catholic Church.

Beverlea Joan Shoemaker, 91, passed away Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Lafayette, Indiana, after a brief illness.

She was born July 28, 1930, in Peru to Lyman McGuire, Sr. and Grace (Shilling) McGuire. She was a 1948 graduate of Jefferson Township High School in Mexico. On Dec. 16, 1953, she married Malcolm G. Shoemaker. He preceded her in death in March 2010. She resided in her Denver home until 2020 when she relocated to Aster Place Assisted Living in Lafayette.

She worked many years for Wabash Valley Bank/PNC, retiring in 1994 as the Denver branch manager. Joan was a 50+ year member of the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter #375, Royal Center. She enjoyed traveling, reading, flowers, bird watching and sports. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Joan will be greatly missed by her three surviving children, Nancy Grimes (Robert), David Shoemaker, Dallas Texas, and Brent Shoemaker (Cheryl), Denver, three grandchildren, Mark Grimes, Stephanie Valenta (Chris) and Shelby Mollett (Trent), and three great-grandchildren, Morgan and Melody Valenta and Zaiden Shoemaker.

Besides her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her three siblings: Guinevere Green, Wayne McGuire, Lyman McGuire, Jr., and a great-granddaughter, Mazie Joan Valenta.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver. Visitation was from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the service to begin at 1 p.m. Burial followed at Westlawn Cemetery, Denver. Memorial contributions can be made to the Westlawn Cemetery Association.

Yavonne Elizabeth Druckenmiller, 53, of Peru passed away Dec. 19, 2021, at Dukes Memorial Hospital.

Born May 6, 1968, in Rochester, Indiana, she was the daughter of the Michael Douglas and Sherry Douglas.

Yavonne loved reading books, watching old movies and tv shows and attending church. Yavonne had a love of country music.

Survivors include her son, Jesse Druckenmiller; siblings, Amy (Jamie) Caldwell and Angie Douglas; nieces, Ashley Caldwell, Allison Zeider, Zoe Fisher, and Jasmine Fisher; nephews, Chad Fisher, Austin Caldwell and Andrew Caldwell and grandchild, Sapphire Hudson.

She was preceded in death by her father Michael Douglas and a brother, Chad.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Glad Tidings Assembly of God with pastor Bryan Maggart officiating.

Yavonne’s online guest book is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.riverviewfhperu.com.

Lowell Eugene “Gene” Bowland, 90, of Amboy, passed away at 3:50 a.m., Dec. 22, 2021. Gene was born in Fulton County, Indiana, Feb. 19, 1931, the son of Jesse and Emma Myers Bowland.

He married Mary K. Howard on June 23, 1950, in Marion, Indiana, and she preceded him in death on March 26, 2020. Gene was a 1949 graduate of Converse High School and was a Supervisor with Chrysler Corp. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially if he could be out fishing.

Gene is survived by children; Terry (Lucy) Bowland of Amboy, Steve (Debra) Bowland of Amboy, Jerry(Marsha) Bowland of Amboy, Jeffrey (Julie) Bowland of Kokomo and Kenneth (Lisa)Bowland of Amboy; grandchildren Ryan Bowland and Tracy, Kevin(Christy) Bowland, April (Dennis) Childers, Rebecca Bowland, Jason (Lelia) Bowland, Haley Bowland, Melissa (Jason) Wolfe, Michael (Sara) Bowland and Lindsay Bolinger; sisters Virginia Rohrer, Alice Hudson, Betty Hodson and Waneta Levensky and a brother Jim Bowland and 15 great-grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; and a son, David Bowland and siblings Raymond Bowland, Woodrow Bowland, Wayne Bowland, Russell Bowland, Violet Lowe, Dorothy Rose, Mary Fisher, Ann Bunch Roseberry, Patsy Bennette and Carol Bowland.

A service celebrating the life of Gene Bowland was held at Noon, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, at the LairdEddy Funeral Home, 201 N. Main St., Amboy, with Jim McDowell officiating. Burial was at Park Lawn Cemetery in Amboy. Family and friends will gather from 10 a.m. till time of service at Noon Tuesday at the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home to the Disabled American Veterans Organization.

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Community Calendar Every Monday 10:30 a.m. – Movers and Shakers, a music and movement program at the Peru Public Library. Ages 0-5.

Every Tuesday 10:30 a.m. – Story time at the Peru Public Library.

Noon-3 p.m. – Wanted – Senior

Pinochle players are invited to play every Tuesday at the Miami County Senior Center, 661 E. Main Street, Peru. The cost is fifty cents. For more information, contact Annie Speth at 765-4733209.

Every Thursday 4:30 p.m. – Lego Club at the Peru

Public Library.

Every Sunday

Every third Thursday each month

2 p.m. –to 4 p.m. Get your picture taken with Santa and drop off your letter to Santa.

4:30 p.m. – American Girl Club at the Peru Public Library.

Every Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Get your picture taken with Santa and drop off your letter to Santa.

Dec. 29 - Jan 2 Lights in the Airpark at Grissom Air Museum.

Thursdays through Sundays, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call

765-689-8011 or email director@grissomairmuseum.com.

Dec. 31 7 p.m. - Ring in 2022 with a bang at the Riverview Event Center, 421 W. Canal Street, Peru. Attendees must be 21 years of age and older. A photo ID is required. Guests will enjoy a dinner

served at 7:30 p.m., and a complimentary toast (wine or champagne) served at midnight! This is a semi-formal dress event. There will be fireworks to ring in 2022. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Light Up! Peru fund. For costs and ticket information, go online to: www.eventbrite.co m.

Jan. 13 4 p.m. – The Peru High School Class of 1960 will hold their monthly dinner at My Pizza My Way. If you have an upcoming event you would like the public to know about, send it to: mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com.

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THE PAPER

December 29, 2021

Sports Peru Tigers take down Southwood Knights

Peru Tiger fans cheered their team on to a victory over the Southwood Knights Saturday, Dec. 18.

Final Score: Peru - 59 Southwood - 55 Local Sports Calendar North Miami Dec. 29 Noon – Girls Varsity Basketball Miami County Tournament – Home 2 p.m. – Boys Var-

sity Basketball Miami County Tournament – Home 6 p.m. – Girls Varsity Basketball Miami County Tournament –

Home 8 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball Miami County Tournament – Home Maconaquah

Dec. 29 9 a.m. – Boys Junior Varsity, Varsity and Coed Wrestling vs.

Willie Holiday Duals @ Crawley Center Noon – Girls Varsity Basketball @ North Miami Holiday Tournament Noon – Boys Varsity Basketball @ North Miami Holiday Tournament Jan. 3 6 p.m. – Boys Freshman Basketball vs.

Oak High School – Home Jan. 4 6 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Basketball @ Eastern Jr/Sr High School 7:30 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball @ Eastern Jr/Sr High School Jan. 5 6 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Kokomo High School – Home 6 p.m. – Boys Freshman Basketball @ Delphi Community High School - Home

7:30 p.m. – Girls Varsity Basketball vs.

Kokomo High School – Home Peru 10 a.m. – Varsity Wrestling @ Mishawaka High

School (Al Smith) Noon – Girls Varsity Basketball Holiday Tourney – Away Noon – Boys Varsity Basketball Holiday Tourney – Away 6:15 p.m. – Boys Jun-

ior Varsity Basketball @ North Miami Middle/High School 7:45 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball @ North Miami Middle/High School

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THE PAPER

December 29, 2021

BECAUSE SAFETY IS KEY,

PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

74 N. Broadway, Peru • 765-470-2035

“Key” Strategies For A Safe New Year’s Celebration:

I

t probably comes as no surprise that more traffic fatalities due to drunk driving occur at the New Year than any other time, but of course, you should never drink and drive. With your safety in mind, these community sponsors urge you to review these important tips for hosting or attending a safe celebration!

A New Year is coming bringing much celebration, With good friends and good times and free-flowing libation -So party on hearty, but leave driving alone, Because we want to see you get safely home!

WITH BEST WISHES TO EVERYONE FOR A SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

• Plan an alcohol-free celebration – Host a fondue or “make your own” ice cream sundae party as a fresh alternative. Add some fun party games to keep guests entertained without drinking!

• Check your keys with the host – This is an effective strategy for giving the host some control over inebriated guests.

• Keep the number of a taxi company handy – A good tip for both party guests and hosts alike.

• Offer to drive a guest home – Start the New Year off right by performing a good deed and help keep drunk drivers off the road.

• Appoint a designated driver – Use the buddy system and you can return the favor next time.

• Provide lots of snacks to party guests – Drinking on an empty-stomach rapidly increases alcohol’s debilitating effects.

• Post transportation info on party invites – Include information for public transportation, car pools and taxi company phone numbers.

• Don’t let a friend drive drunk – Take the car keys away or use one of the strategies above to see your friends safely home.

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THE PAPER

December 29, 2021

Miami County’s Ruth (Riley) Hunter named to Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame’s Anniversary Team (New Castle) Eighteen women have been named to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2022 Silver Anniversary Team, based on outstanding accomplishments as a senior basketball player 25 years ago. One of the eighteen is Ruth Riley.

The team includes 13 members of the 1997

Indiana All-Star squad, among them Indiana’s Miss Basketball.

Five other allstate players are included to comprise the best of Indiana’s high

school class of 1997.

1997 Indiana AllStars on this year’s Silver Anniversary Team include Miss Basketball Lisa (Shepherd) Stid-

ham along with Katie Douglas, Candace (Crawford) Hall, Ruth (Riley) Hunter, Jenny Martin, Katrina Merriweather, Liz (Stansberry) Mitchell, Staci Mueller, Julie Schrader, Constance (Murdock)

Sherrod, Andi Speer, Tamie Stiner and Amber (Holle) Williams.

The remaining five, named to various all-state teams are: Erica Cory, Shannon Layne, Gretchen Miles, Abbi (Wilson) Rosen and A.J. Whitehead.

All Women’s Silver Anniversary Team members will be honored at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame’s 20th Women’s Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

The ceremony will take place at the Primo Ban-

quet Hall, which is located on the south side of Indianapolis.

Tickets for the event are available online now.

Call the Hall at 765-529-1891 or email info@hoopshall.com for more information.

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THE PAPER

December 29, 2021