Althea (Thea) Ortman Heard
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Althea (Thea) Ortman Heard

  • September 13, 1924 - January 17, 2012
  • Austin, Texas
  • In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UUMC, Walnut Hill Cemetery (Perpetual Care Fund P.O. Box 283 Cotter, Arkansas 72626) or a charity of choice
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“We just got home from a short vacation and were sorry to read of Thea's death. I can't tell you how often we have thought of you all and wondered ...Read More » ”
1 of 11 | Posted by: Don and Caryl Thompson - AR

“Dear Heard Family, So sorry to hear of loss of dear, Thea. I knew her from Curves. Her smile and attitude were in inspiration to me ( and many...Read More » ”
2 of 11 | Posted by: Marge Lippman

“Mr. Heard, Lynne,Steve, David, and the whole family; I was so saddened to hear about mrs. heard's passing. Your family was always so important to...Read More » ”
3 of 11 | Posted by: Bobby McConnell - houston, TX

“i love you grandma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanksi ”
4 of 11 | Posted by: blaine williams - houston , TX

“Dear Charlie and Family, So sorry to hear of Thea's problems and of her death. She was such a great lady and friend. We dearly love her. Sorry we...Read More » ”
5 of 11 | Posted by: John and Sue Wuthrich - AR

“What a beautiful, wonderful, dignified lady Ms Thea was! My deepest condolences to Charlie, the rest of the family, and Thea's many dear friends. We...Read More » ”
6 of 11 | Posted by: Louanne - Austin, TX - friend

“Charles, We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Thea. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. ”
7 of 11 | Posted by: Mark and Judy Spahn - Yellville, AR

“Charles, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss. Kay Sims ”
8 of 11 | Posted by: Kay R. Sims - Mountain Home, AR

“My prayers are with Lynne and her family during this time. Lea Pheeney ”
9 of 11 | Posted by: Lea Pheeney - Houston

“We were so very sorry to hear of Thea's passing. Such a sweet "Lady" in all of her ways. We will miss her lovely smile. Charlie, you and Thea were...Read More » ”
10 of 11 | Posted by: Bill and Trieneke Self - AR

“Charles and family: We just learned of Thea's death. Please accept our deepest sympathy Judith. ”
11 of 11 | Posted by: Larry and Judith Bearden


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Althea Ortman Heard (Thea), born September 13, 1924, Cotter, Arkansas died in Austin, Texas on January 17, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents Rubye and Frank Ortman and her son Mark. Thea is survived by her husband, Charles, her children, Lynne H. Williams (husband John), Stephen Ortman Heard, and David Frank Heard (wife Martha Adams), grandchildren, Blaine Williams and Elizabeth W. Crawley (husband Rob), Kelly and Mark Heard, Rachel and Alex Adams-Heard, sister, Anita Becker (and Anita's family). The family wishes to express their great appreciation for all of the staff at Casa Mesquite, Longhorn Village for the dedication, support and love shown to Thea in her final months.

Thea, a talented musician, student and popular campus beauty, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in music education. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity and the Choral Club. It was at O.U. that Thea met Charles, the love of her life. They married June 23, 1946 in Cotter, Arkansas, and spent over 65 wonderful years together raising a family, putting down roots and making many friends in each city where they lived. Their love for each other, dedication to family, and enjoyment of life inspired all who have known them.

After retirement Thea and Charlie moved to Bull Shoals, Arkansas where Thea was active in her church as volunteer choir director for ten years, a hospital board member and a tireless volunteer in her community. Thea and Charlie enjoyed their retirement years immensely including extensive travel, boating adventures on Lake Bull Shoals and plenty of quality time with family and friends. They moved to Austin in 2003 where Thea's zest for life enabled her to quickly become an avid Austinite.

She was active in University United Methodist Church (UUMC) where a celebration of Thea's well lived life will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 3:00 p.m. in the UUMC sanctuary located at Guadalupe and 25th (parking is available in the Platinum Parking lot on the west side of Guadalupe across from the church). A memorial service will be held this summer at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Cotter, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UUMC, Walnut Hill Cemetery (Perpetual Care Fund P.O. Box 283 Cotter, Arkansas 72626) or a charity of choice.