Matilda Helen (Sutton) Wilcox

Matilda Helen Wilcox was born on June 30, 1943, in Peru, Indiana, to James L. and Laura A. Sutton. On July 23, 2026, she closed her final chapter at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy defined by warmth, dedication, and an unwavering love for her family.

A proud lifelong resident of Peru, Matilda pursued her education at Ball State University, earning an associate degree in business. She later achieved her real estate license and went on to spend her final career years working as a meticulous proofreader for Modern Graphics. Throughout her life, Matilda brought an unmistakable steady presence to daily living. Her hobbies included traveling, solving crossword puzzles, baking, cooking, and attending concerts—specifically loving live performances by The Lettermen. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society, sharing wonderful camaraderie and joy with her fellow members. Above all else, she cherished spending quality time with her family. She faced the world with quiet strength and a knack for making everyone feel like family, teaching those around her the value of simple joys and living authentically. She was truly the backbone of the family and will be gravely missed.

Matilda was preceded in death by her parents, James and Laura Sutton; her husband of 18 years, William Porter Wilcox; her brothers, Lester L. Sutton and Joe Sutton; and her grandchild, Dakota Jackson.

Her spirit and memory will live on through her surviving brother, Steve Sutton; her children, Donnie Smith, Debbie Burney, Dawna (Randy) Ray, Stacey Smith, and Nicole (Chris) Gustafson; as well as her cherished grandchildren—Brooks Smith (Logansport), Jared Hunt (Kokomo), Bryce and Elaine Hall (Logansport), Brie Ann Hunt (Peru), Nashonda Clifton (Peru), Travis and Sara Smith (Peru), Alexa Smith (Kokomo), Jacob Smith, Jesse Riggs and Brandy Riggs (Peru), Brandon Riggs (Kokomo), Zack Smith (Elkhart), Trysta Gustafson (Cincinnati), Kyrsten Stone (Peru), Sara Smith (Rossville), and DaShon Friend (Peru)—along with many great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends.

Pallbearers: Stacey Smith, Brooks Smith, Jared Hunt, Steve Sutton, Bryce Hall, DaShon Friend, Randy Ray, Jamison Stambaugh

Special Acknowledgments: A warm thank you to all family and friends who visited or assisted in caring for Matilda. A special thanks to her daughter, Dawna Ray, who resided with her full-time to provide dedicated care. Th family also extends deep gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice and their staff for their compassionate care and comfort in her final days.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 12:00pm-1:00pm at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Matt Myers officiating. Burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru.

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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