Theresa Mullins Fitler

Theresa Mullins Fitler of Sellersburg, Indiana passed away peacefully at her home July 11th, 2024.

She was born Theresa Kay Peters on February 13, 1939 on the Osage Indian Reservation in Skitook, OK, and was a registered member of the Osage Nation. Her parents were Katherine and Jay Peters.

 Theresa graduated from Lamar College with a BA in Education. From 1967 - 1972, she taught high school English, history, drama, and psychology in Texas, New Mexico and Arkansas. She married Hugh Fitler in 1974 and became a beloved stepmother to his children Melinda, Joe and Carolyn. Pursuing her love ofpsychology, she went back to school and earned her MS in psychology from Spaulding College. After graduating she worked at Our Lady of Peace Hospital and through her love of horticulture established a horticultural therapy program there. At age 50, she returned to Spaulding College and received her Doctorate in Psychology. She and Hugh fostered numerous children during this time, many of whom still remain close to the family. In 1985, she took a position with Seven Counties Services in Louisville, KY, and she retired in 2007.  Hugh Fitler preceded Theresa in death in 2011 after 42 years of a great friendship and marriage.

She is survived by her children William Glenn Galbreath and Christy Lynn Byers, her sister Margaret Dyballa, adopted daughter Peggy Wicks, and stepchildren Melinda Hasty, Joe Fitler and Carolyn Bush. Theresa and Hugh were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. 

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering at a future date, and the family requests donations to the Sierra Club in lieu of flowers. 

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