Alyce Lorraine Casper Andrus

Alyce Lorraine Casper Andrus passed away peacefully the evening of May 10, 2026 at the age of 99 in the gracious care of Wesley Glen Hospice and loving friends. She was born on June 13, 1926. Alyce is survived by her niece and nephews through marriage, Eleanor DeWitt, Mark DeWitt and David DeWitt, special friends Richard and Janice Blocher, and many other dear friends at King Avenue United Methodist Church and Wesley Glen Retirement Community.

Alyce graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education in June of 1948 from the University of Wisconsin, where she met and married Paul G. Andrus that same year. After a short post-war service in the Navy, Paul entered graduate school, then spent his entire 50-plus year career with Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio, with his first endeavor being on the team that developed the patent of Chester Carlson's for a system of dry powder copying called Xerography, later to become the Xerox copier. A picture of Alyce was likely the first ever item photocopied as Paul used it as a test after he solved the problem of depositing the ink from an aerosol cloud of charged dry powder.

Alyce and Paul found their church home at King Avenue Methodist Church in 1949, where they lived a long and fulfilling life as dedicated servants. She and Paul shared their vocal abilities by singing in the choir, Paul for 63 years, Alyce for 70 years. As a soloist, Alyce shared her lovely lyric soprano voice, while Paul lent his support with his rich bass voice. After Paul’s death in 2012, Alyce began a new chapter with the help of her church family.

Alyce gave talks on angels and lead tours, reciting the history of the beautiful stained-glass windows within the church. She was fascinated with angels and shared her knowledge and enthusiasm during her gatherings. She was active in the Woman’s Society of Christian Services, creating programs and designing posters while also volunteering with the Wesley Foundation. She began creating banners that followed the liturgical calendar. At first, the banners were displayed in the milling area, then she was encouraged to make them for the sanctuary, and ultimately for the pulpit. Her artwork became an integral part of the church's services. Alyce was then invited to create banners for the annual conferences, and she became known as a Liturgical Artist. Serving many years with the United Methodist Women, Alyce created and ran the “Calorie Counter” during the annual rummage sales, where she set up and sold donated goodies and coffee.

Over the course of their 64 year marriage, Alyce and Paul had many opportunities to travel abroad and across North America. During Alyce’s more recent years, her memories faded, but she shared on many occasions that she knew she’d had a great love story and a grand and fulfilling life.

Alyce’s dear friends and family will gather to honor her in a private ceremony.