Thelma Elaine Libler

Thelma Elaine Libler passed away peacefully December 8 after 96 years of being the favorite human being of almost every person who had the honor of knowing her. She was an extraordinary woman in part because she never lost touch with her ordinary beginnings. Thelma was born on March 25, 1925 to Henry and Aletha Adkins in Huntington, West Virginia, as one of seven children. She moved to Indiana in 1943 and was swept off her feet by her late husband, firefighter Charles W. Libler. They married in 1946 and had 58 wonderful, challenging and inspiring years together before his death in 2004. She was an active member of St. Ambrose Parish and a woman of deep faith. Thelma believed that God carried her through difficult times, so in exchange she carried others. Her home and her heart were a refuge for those who needed her most and the walls of both were expansive. A quiet, creative force, she applied her passions to everything she touched. Thelma mentored women who’d escaped abusive homes through her work with a local shelter. She called herself a seamstress but was in fact a brilliant designer who created clothing for those she loved. She was a questionable cook but a gifted gardener and a talented painter – a skill she discovered later in life. Thelma loved dogs and Democrats equally, volunteering at polling places and doting on canines that few could love. She was a fan of Cricket (the dog) and Kennedy (the president) and anyone who understood that the purpose of life was to live it fully. Thelma built an enviable life as the wise and loving matriarch of a strong extended family. She is survived by her children Donna (Dan) Hubble, Fred (Anissa) Libler and Tudy Matthews (Larry, deceased) and nieces Judy McIntyre and Kathy Sidwell. Thelma and Charlie’s legacy includes grandchildren Wendi (Mark) Butler, Christina (Ronald) Vysma, Ryan (Amy) Libler, Shannon Apple, Brandon (Jen) Libler, Danny (Carrie) Hubble, Andrew Hubble, Ashley (Michael) Pepelea, Allyson (Laurie Seall) Matthews, Maxx Libler, Bowen Libler and 13 great grandchildren. Her family would like to thank her amazing caregivers Nurse Practitioner Anne Conner, Dr. Armand Gallanosa and her hospice nurse Carrie Cunningham for understanding that advanced age deserves our greatest respect and most extraordinary care. If you’re willing to honor her legacy, we have a few suggestions. Listen without thinking of your answer. Give without accepting recognition. Love so hard that it’s a sacrifice. We will miss her magic and her mayhem, her terrible jokes and her warm, accepting embrace. We will carry her heart and her wisdom with us, always. Services will be on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson, IN 46013. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the funeral home. The family requires that all wear a mask to attend the visitation or service. Please consider donating to the Animal Protection League or to the Alzheimer’s Association.