Alice Leola Wert

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Alice Leola Heck Wert, 90, of Terre Haute, passed away Jan. 11, 2013, in Terre Haute, Ind. She was born March 29, 1922, in Monroe County, Mich. Alice received her Bachelor of Arts in teaching from Michigan State Normal College in Ypsilanti and later a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan. She married William Grau Wert on June 24, 1944. They settled in Bellaire, Texas, where she worked in the city library. They moved to Terre Haute in 1960 with Bill’s teaching job at Indiana State University. Alice worked as a school librarian at Meadows, Fuqua and Crawford elementary schools. In 1972 she switched to the Vigo County Library System, working as coordinator of technical services until her retirement in 1987. The highlight of her career was to be recognized by then-Indiana Gov. Otis R. Bowen in January 1981 for her role as chairperson of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Libraries and the State Planning Committee for the White House Conference. During and after her professional career, Alice was active with the Swope Art Museum, the Community Theater of Terre Haute and volunteering at the library in Westminster Village, where she has resided since 2004. Alice was a member of Central Presbyterian Church, Vigo County Retired Teachers Association, Friends of the Vigo County Public Library, Swope Art Museum, Arts Illiana, Vigo County Historical Society and Chapter Z of PEO. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill. She is survived by her children, Thomas (Kizzie Jones), Edmonds, Wash.; Barbara Lammey, Bloomington; and Paul (Barbara Wilburn), Chantilly, Va.; and her dear niece, Theresa (Randy) Matthews. Also mourning her passing are her grandchildren, Bart (Janet Brady) Lammey and their children, Kate and George, Normal; Bond Lammey, Chicago; Matthew Wert, Washington, D.C.; KeeYoun Wert, Bothell, Wash.; and HeeYoun and MeeYoun Wert of Seattle. A memorial service and reception will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Central Presbyterian Church, North Seventh Street, Terre Haute. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations: Community Theater of Terre Haute, Arts Illiana, Vigo County Public Library and Central Presbyterian Church. Mattox-Wood Funeral Home, Terre Haute, Ind., is in charge of arrangements.