Valparaiso resident and retired teacher Anne Niequist White, age 85, died
May 15, 2012, in an automobile accident in White County, Ind.
She was born June 4, 1926, in Covington, Kentucky, to Charles C. and Ruth (Hiles)
Franklin.
Survivors include her husband, Donald G. White; daughters Pamela Wehbi of
Villa Park, Ill., and Nancy Schoon of Gary, Ind.; sister Martha Williams of
Hebron, Ind.; and grandsons Alan and Kelly Wehbi and Kevin Schoon.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Maynard O. Niequist; sister
Frances Tabeling, and brother Charles E. Franklin.
Anne was a beloved English teacher who positively influenced the lives of
many. Her former Markleville (Ind.) High School student Landis Harper
dedicated his dissertation to her and said, “She showed this writer the
elegance of an educated mind.”
Among her many achievements, Anne was past President of IRTA (Indiana
Retired Teachers Association) from 1995-1997. She and her husband were on
their way to Indianapolis, where she was to have received a special award
for her work with IRTA, when she was killed.
Anne was also active in AARP and Trinity Lutheran Church, and was the first
woman ever to serve on the Valparaiso School Board.
In addition, she authored the book Teaching Grammar with a Purpose.
Anne received her M.S.ED. and B.A. from Valparaiso University and began her
teaching career in 1948. She was a member of Chesterton High School’s
English department from 1968-1987. Prior to that, she taught English at
Markleville High School (1963-68).
“As she was a dedicated teacher, she was a dedicated person who made a
difference,” Mr. Harper said. “I know of no higher pedestal that my friend
could attain.”
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso on
Friday, June 22, at 3:30 p.m.