Anna R. Bowman

Anna R. “Annie” Bowman, 98, of Fairland, passed away on February 11, 2025, at Morristown Manor in Morristown.

 She was born January 6, 1927, in Marion County, the daughter of Harry “Herre” and Ruth (Wesselius) DeWitt. On June 18, 1948, she married Ralph Edward Bowman, and he preceded her in death on September 24, 1994.

 Annie was survived by her grandchildren, Donald "Matt", Audra, Andy, Brad and Jared, Brianna and Bailey; great-grandchildren, Nick, Ashley, Blakely, Jacqueline, Leona, Mason, Harper, Forrest, Rowan, Sawyer and Noah; great-great-grandchildren Alexia April, Aubrey Anne, Adrianna Alizabeth; sister; Gertrude Wilma Kent; daughters-in-law, Debbie Bowman, Terri Bowman and Jill Bowman; son-in-law, Jerry Horn; and several nieces and nephews.

 In addition to Ralph, she was preceded in death by her children, Donald “Donnie” Bowman, Leonidas “Lonnie” Bowman, Ralph "Tony" Bowman and Laurie M. Horn; granddaughter, April, great grandchild Gavin; brothers, Hessel John DeWitt, John Samuel DeWitt, Peter DeWitt and August DeWitt; and sister, Hattie J. Stohry.

 In 1945, Annie graduated from Fairland High School.

 After graduation she worked at Eli Lilly, until becoming a dairy farmer with her husband. One of her jobs on the dairy farm was feeding the newborn calves their milk. She also lended herself to milking as needed and tended chickens in her earlier years of farming. Annie could often be heard at 3am with Ralph and Donnie herding loose cows. Annie was a fantastic cook and kept an immaculate home. She always had room at her table. She grew an enormous vegetable garden to nourish her family. She once stated she "had always wanted a family and live a farm life". She was fulfilled with both. Later she worked at Patsy’s Pizza in Morristown. She was the oldest living 70-year member of New Life United Methodist Church. She enjoyed participating in UMW activities, handbells, choirs and sew group.

 Visitation will be from 11 am to Noon, Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

 Funeral services will follow at Noon, with Rev. Mike Beck officiating.

 Interment will be at Fairland Cemetery in Fairland. *****with luncheon following****

 Memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Legacy Fund, in care of the Blue River Foundation, 54 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Morristown American Legion Post No. 102, 339 W. Main St., Morristown, Indiana 46161.

 Online condolences may be shared with Annie’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.