Deborah J. Collins

Deborah Jeanne Collins of Peru, Indiana passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, December 24 at the age of 59 after a courageous battle with cancer. Deborah Collins was born in Laredo, Texas, on December 12, 1962 to Elida and Pat Collins. She is survived by her four children Angela Leinberger, Christopher Leinberger, Jessica Davis and Sarah Copeland all of Peru, Indiana and her eight grandchildren Isaiah, Anthony, Brayden, Kassandra, Dylan, Ameliah, Layken and Hazel. She is also survived by her parents Elida and Pat Collins of Clovis, New Mexico; siblings Linda Coiner and Chickie Henderlite also of Clovis, New Mexico, Denise Collins of Sarasota, Florida, Jennifer Collins of Dallas, Texas and Houston Collins of Seattle, Washington. Deborah was the granddaughter of the late Roy and Clarine Collins of Clovis, New Mexico and Antonia and Bartolo Garcia of Laredo, Texas.

Deborah graduated from Clovis High School in 1981 and attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico. She began modeling in her teens and attended Barbizon School of Modeling in Dallas, Texas. Deborah often accompanied her father, now a retired cattle rancher, to brand cattle and help around the ranch. In her mid-twenties, she moved to Indiana where she had many creative pursuits including cabinet making, painting and making decorative concrete statues and lawn ornaments. Many of Deborah’s handmade lawn ornaments, angels and birdbaths can be seen in neighborhoods across Peru. One proud moment Deborah experienced was when she was featured in the Peru Tribune in an article entitled “Local Woman Embraces the Arts.”

Deborah said that she always wanted to be a missionary until someone told her she could be a missionary in her own backyard. This mindset inspired Deborah to start writing Christian songs at the age of 23 and she went on to write several hundred songs and lyrics throughout her lifetime. Deborah also taught herself American Sign Language (ASL) so she could translate the songs performed at her church to the congregation.

"Use every talent God gave you to heal your part of the earth he created," was Deborah's favorite quote, which she not only embodied in her poetry and songwriting but in her many other talents and hobbies including: singing, crocheting, knitting, sewing, hiking, bird watching, sign language and baking her grandmother Clarine’s favorite fudge and candy recipes during the holidays.

A humble friend to all, Deborah will be remembered for her beautiful singing voice, silly humor, her kind heart, her devotion to her children, her ready smile, and her devotion to Christ. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

A private graveside ceremony will take place in Clovis, New Mexico. A celebration of life memorial will take place in Peru, Indiana 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.

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