Alma S. Wiley
August 23, 1955 ~ March 21, 2022
Alma Sue Wiley, 66, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022. Alma was born August 23, 1955 in Seymour, Indiana to parents Cathleen and Ed Wiley.
Alma went to school in Columbus, Indiana. Following high school, she received her BFA in dance from George Mason where she performed modern dance and managed the GMU Dance Company. She performed professionally with the Claudia Murphy Dance Company, Lesa McLaughlin and Dancers, and CODA. She received her MS in dance from IU in 1989. Alma co-founded Dancers Studio, Inc. in 1991. She volunteered for Very Special Arts Indiana and worked as an artist-in-education for the Indiana Arts Commission from whom she was awarded a Choreographers Award. She was on the faculty at Earlham College. She choreographed and directed numerous dance performances for Dancers Studio, and taught and nurtured too many dancers to mention in the Columbus, Indiana area.
Alma was very artistic and creative. She loved to paint and sing in addition to dancing. She loved animals, adopting and loving numerous pets throughout her life.
Alma is survived by her daughter Ciela Guthrie, her son Ruben Guthrie, her sisters Karen (Chris) Crawl, Virginia “Gee” (Ronnie) Eckert, Peggy “Colleen” Wiley, her brother Denny (Dotty) Wiley, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents and brothers Dale Wiley and Wayne Wiley.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 10th from 1pm to 5pm at Jewell-Rittman at 3855 25th Street, Columbus, Indiana.
Memorial donations can be made at the funeral home or by mail/in person to:
Heritage Fund
Attn: Alma Wiley Memorial Dance Scholarship
538 Franklin Street
Columbus, IN 47201
Or online at: heritagefundbc.org (select “Give Now”).
Alternatively, donations can be made to Columbus Animal Care Services.
Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at jewellrittman.com.
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We were in a private art class years ago. I found Alma to be a blessing and joy to be with. She was a woman of grace and beauty.
A mutual friend just told me about Alma’s passing. I was so sorry to hear this news. I knew Alma many years ago when we both lived in Arlington, Virginia. She was always a free spirit, and had the courage to pursue the things in life that really interested her. I’m sure her family and friends miss her terribly. My sincerest sympathies to all of them.
Alma taught my special needs granddaughter in a dance class. The girls weren’t able to do much dancing. It was mostly stretching and execise, but the girls loved it and Alma was very patient with them. Thank you Alma for giving them that experience. I very much wanted to be there today to give my condolences ,especially to Ciela, but family obligations kept me away. The family is in my prayers.
Mrs. Clara Jackman
I met Alma when she was a graduate student and I was an undergraduate student in Dance at IU. That was about 1986. We remained close friends until she passed. I considered her family as she was always there for me and we saw each other through good times and bad…I have so many wonderful memories but what I will remember and miss the most are her beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, and the music of her laughter. She had a generous heart and I can honestly say that, in all of the years that I knew her, I never heard her say anything unkind to anyone. Rest In Peace Alma, I look forward to seeing you again on the “other side”.❤️
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