Peggie Lou Sims

Peggie Lou McLahlan Sims  shed her 91 year old weary and well used body and ran into the arms of her Savior on March 9, 2019. She was surrounded by her family and loving nursing staff.  We are assured that she is now praising her Lord, dancing for joy with her family and friends and even running alongside her devoted dog Gracie. Peggie was born October 26, 1927 in Bloomington, Indiana, to Clarice (Wooden) McLahlan and Clyde (Doc) McLahlan. She joined a very large extended family in the Bloomington area. Her younger brother Thomas (Tommy) McLahlan was born several years later. In the late 1940’s, the family moved to Indianapolis for more employment opportunities. Peggie attended and graduated from Howe High School. She began what was a life long love of Irvington during that time. During high school, Peggie was a waitress at Traylor’s Diner. After graduation, she worked for Bobs Merrill Book Publishing Company. She loved books, loved her job, and often talked about meeting several well known authors including Ayn Rand. Peggie met and fell in love with Willard (Bill) Wonner Sims of Indianapolis. They married in a very small wedding ceremony on a Saturday morning so they could attend an Indianapolis Indians game that same afternoon. Peggie also became a step-mother on that day to Michael Sims, Florida. To Peggie,  he was never a “step” son, but always a beloved son. Peggie and Bill created a beautiful family of two daughters, Phyllis Anne Sims Spanton ( husband Robert D.) Indianapolis , Karen Sue (Susie) Sims Wieland (husband Chip) Indianapolis, and a son, Willard Douglas Sims ( wife Susan), Kingsport Tennessee. Peggie loved being a grandma and enjoyed every minute she spent with her two granddaughters, Kelley Anne Spanton Culp (husband Greg) Franklin, IN, and Leslie Anne Curotto (fiance John Petzke), Indianapolis, and her two great granddaughters, Audrey Anne Culp and Lily Katherine Culp. Peggie was preceded in death by husband Bill and brother Tommy. Peggie worked at the Department of Defense Finance Center as a Travel Disbursement Clerk for 24 years and received the honor of being named Employee of the Month with a ceremony and presentation by the commanding General. After retirement she also worked in several school cafeterias and as an usher for Colts games. In the early 1950’s, Peggie, Bill and family joined East 38th Street Christian Church ( now Post Road Christian Church). Peggie was a beautiful example of humility and servanthood throughout her life. Well into her 80’s she continued to teach the 2 and 3 year olds old Sunday School Class as she had done for over 40 years. She created and led The Little Angels youth group for primary age children for over 20 years. She prepared food for countless funeral dinners; was an original member of her beloved Christian Eves class;  taught VBS; supported many missionaries; attended many Bible Studies, including completing the entire Bible Study Fellowship curriculum. She also volunteered in the church office for many years. She fiercely loved “her church”, and quietly influenced hundreds of lives with her sweet spirit, big smile and lots of hugs. Most of all, she loved her Jesus. She was welcomed into eternity with those eagerly awaited words from her Lord “ Well done Good and Faithful Servant...enter into the joy of thy Lord”.  She was well-loved and will be missed by many, but her family and friends are celebrating with her today. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America or Allendale Christian Camp.