Theresa Earle

Theresa Gatlin Earle died on July 22, 2024 in Bryan, Texas after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Theresa was born in Martin, Tennessee on November 28, 1937 to Colonel Carl Gatlin and Elizabeth Alexander. Her father, a graduate of Texas A&M University, was a former professor of Economics at the University of Tennessee, and mayor of Abilene, Texas. Her mother was a graduate of the University of Texas and a librarian. 

Theresa graduated from Abilene High School in 1955. It was in Abilene where she met her future husband, James “Jim” Earle. They married several months later in December 1957 and settled in College Station, whereupon Jim began his career as a professor of Engineering Design Graphics at Texas A&M. 

Jim and Theresa started Creative Publishing in 1965, and then Early West in 1978. Along with her husband, Theresa was a Wild West historian, and Early West published and sold many titles related to outlaws and lawmen. They also spent decades collecting guns and Western ephemera as they felt compelled to preserve history. 

Theresa was an avid reader and loved mysteries in particular. She also was a beautiful seamstress and sewed her daughters’ clothes when they were young girls. Many times her designs were featured, either in The Eagle or on the KBTX morning program.  She was well-known for her homemade pimento cheese recipe, her secret was to grate the Colby Jack vs buying pre-shredded cheese. 

Theresa is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Earle (Eric) Blodgett, grandchildren Chloe and Evan, and Susan Earle (Jim) Palmer, grandson Spencer; sister, Nancy Kadrovach, brother, Joe (Linda) Gatlin, and many nieces and nephews. Theresa is preceded in death by her parents, as well as her older brother, Frank Gatlin of Conroe, Texas. Many dachshunds, and a few cats also predecease her. 

Elizabeth and Susan would like to extend a very special thank you to Vicki and Jay Rudder, as well as Theresa’s caregiver for the last five years, Monica Ruiz Barrera. We’d also like to thank The Langford in College Station, Crestview Skilled Nursing in Bryan, Acara Hospice, and the many nurses and aides who gave our mom exceptional care. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Heart of Acara Foundation, 601 Graham Road, College Station, TX 77845.