Wilma C. "Boots" Lee, age 95 and a life-long resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2017 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood after a relatively brief illness.  She was born February 13, 1921 in Elwood, the daughter of John D. and Alma V. (Heflin) Yohe.  Boots was a homemaker and worked for 13 years at G.C. Murphy variety store in Elwood before retiring in 1978.  She was a 1939 graduate of Elwood High School.  Boots married Donald "Lester" Lee on September 2, 1942 and they shared more than 50 years of marriage together.  She was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood where she was active in the United Methodist Women, a Mission Coordinator for the Penny Drive, and was known for making delicious noodles and mashed potatoes for countless funeral dinners.  She was formerly active in the 50-Plus Club in Elwood and had traveled to 48 of the 50 United States.  Boots enjoyed crocheting and knitting, working in her flower and vegetable gardens, and quilting with the church ladies.  She also was an excellent card player – enjoying "Hand & Foot", and had memorable visits with her lady friends on her patio.  More than anything she will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother; and her family was always the center of her life.  Wilma's family would like to thank the staff of Community Parkview Care Center and St. Vincent Mercy Hospital for the outstanding and loving care they provided for her.

Boot's family includes 2 grandsons, David L. (wife Jennifer) Richards of Elwood and Michael J. (wife Kelli) Richards of Elwood; 3 great grandchildren, David A. (companion Traci) Richards, Lily M. Richards, and Ian J. Richards; and 2 great-great granddaughters, Tessa L. Richards and Caytee M. Richards; special nephews, Ken (wife Kit) Lashbrook and Bob (wife Sandy) Lashbrook; special great niece, Cheryl Ford; and special friend and caretaker, Thursa Pratt.

Boots was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Donald L. Lee in 1993; daughter, Karen Susie Richards in 2013; great grandson, Scott Richards in 2010; sister, Alma Lucille Lashbrook; brother, Wilfred (and wife Phyllis) Yohe; and sister-in-law, Lotta Shelby.

A funeral service celebrating Wilma's life will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Bill Johnston of the Grace United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 AM to 2 PM on Friday prior to the funeral service.  Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood or the family encourages visitors to bring their loose change to contribute to the "Penny Drive" jar which was important to Wilma.  Online condolences may be to the family at copherfeslermay.com.