Ana Marie (Bowman) Herndon

Ana Marie (Bowman) Herndon passed away on July 28, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at The Waters of Middletown. Born on August 16, 1946, to Floyd Forrest Bowman and Addie Roe (Cook) Bowman in Crawford, Tennessee, Ana, the youngest of 21 children, between the couple. Raised on a 1500-acre farm, Ana attended Rickman High School before getting married. She would later complete her GED and several classes at Ivy Tech, while raising her children. She was a strong-welled determined woman.

She married the love of her life, James (Jim) Robert Herndon, on September 21, 1987, where they resided in Henry County, Indiana. Their sweet, love showed in everything they did for each other. Together they had many passions from NASCAR, to playing slots at the casino and traveling. They often traveled to Tennessee to visit family, a tradition Ana cherished and continued after Jim's passing. Time spent there with her beloved grandkids remained one of the greatest activities in her life.

Ana held many jobs, but one interesting job that she loved was working as an autopsy technician for Marion County. She also managed The Iron Kettle and later Highway 38 Diner, delighting regulars with her delicious banana pudding and famous peach cobbler. Ana loved to sing, and her favorites were songs by Loretta Lynn, Elvis, and Conway Twitty. She enjoyed the outdoors—gardening, sunbathing, floating in the pool, and mowing their property with her husband, Jim.

During her battle with lung cancer, Ana was surrounded by the love and care of her immediate family. Some of her most cherished moments were those spent with her grandkids. Her granddaughter, Kennedy Brim (fiancé Cade Gentry), a recent RN graduate came often to care for her. Their time together was filled with deep conversations, laughter, and dreams of Kennedy’s upcoming wedding. You could see the pride in Ana’s eyes—of her girl Kennedy – there was a light that Kennedy brought to her grandma that was undeniable by all and will be remembered forever.

Her grandsons, Brycen Brim and JayCade Reist, visited often, bringing their unique ability to make her laugh and filling the room with pure joy. Brycen was her 'handsome young man,' and they could sit in silence all day and her heart still be so full. JayCade spent his entire life under the loving, watchful eye of his grandmother, Ana. Their time together was filled with warmth, laughter, and a bond that was truly one of a kind. Whether she was getting him on and off the school bus or simply keeping him company while his dad was at work, they made the most of every moment. One of their favorite pastimes was swapping tips and strategies for the mobile games they played together. Through it all, Ana gave JayCade a sense of love and security that only a grandmother could provide.

Finally, Ana cherished her time with her adopted great-granddaughter, Jay’Lea (Herndon) and Jay'Lea was by her side every day. After the loss of Ana’s husband, it was Jay’Lea who became her greatest source of courage, strength and comfort. More than a caregiver, she was a constant companion whose love brought light into Ana’s life. In her final days, Ana often said that Jay’Lea gave her purpose and kept her going. Their bond was unshakable filled with love, laughter, and quiet understanding. To Ana, Jay’Lea was life’s greatest gift in her later years, and the joy they shared was her most treasured blessing.

Ana leaves behind her children: Jeana Coleman, Jeffery J. Coleman , Vicky Coleman, Jamie Reist (Douglas) Brim, James W. Reist II, Jayson M. Reist and stepson, Jayke (Jolean) Herndon. Together Jim and Ana adopted and raised three grandchildren, Daniel Robert Tate, Miana Mykel (Brandon) McKinely, and Collin Wayne Herndon; and a great-granddaughter, Jay’Lea Nicole Herndon who is still at home. She also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren and great/great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and 20 siblings, as well as her son, William (Billy) Tate, and daughters, Dawn Lezlie (Tate) Smith and Tiffanie Herndon.

The family is grateful for the love and support of Ana’s nephew and his wife, Michael (Connie) Herndon. They truly stepped up to support mom and Jay’Lea when we needed them most. Having you guys in our corner as we navigated the uncertainty of this horrible disease gave us such peace.

We'd also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at The Waters of Middletown. During Ana’s final months, many of the CNAs and other staff members became family. Providing exceptional love and care, ensuring that Ana passed in peace. Your dedication, kindness, compassion, and support made a significant difference to Ana and our family. We could not have asked for a more peaceful environment. Your unwavering commitment to her well-being did not go unnoticed, and it made a significant difference in Ana’s final days. Thank you for everything.

Ana’s presence enriched the lives of those around her, may her memory continue to inspire faith, love, laughter, hard work, and dedication in us all.

Graveside Celebration of Life will be held at South Mound Cemetery, New Castle on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. with a lunch to follow.