Mary A. (Bowman) Schlensker

Mary A. (Bowman) Schlensker went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Anderson, IN surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 83.

Born on November 14, 1940, to Floyd Forrest Bowman and Addie Roe (Cook) Bowman in Crawford, Tennessee.

Mary was raised on a 1500-acre farm in Crawford, TN with her 20 siblings. Once Mary married, she moved to Anderson, IN where she raised her family. Mary devoted her entire life to her family and was a homemaker and stay at home mom while her children were at home. Later in life, she worked outside the home as a Home Health Aide, she worked in a sewing factory, and at Walmart before retiring.  Mary had a way of lighting up a room when she entered, her funny sense of humor and quick wit would keep everyone laughing. Mary was a faithful attendee of Southdale Church of the Nazarene.

Mary is survived by her five children, Debra K. Vaughn of Anderson, IN;  Mark D. Vaughn of Anderson, IN;  Danny K. Vaughn of Greenwood, IN;  Mike (Connie) Herndon of Anderson, IN;  Tim (Lisa) Herndon of Anderson, IN; and her special friend, Don Benfield of Anderson, IN.

Mary had twenty siblings, with one surviving sister, Ana Bowman Herndon of Mechanicsburg, IN.

Mary loved her ten grandchildren: Laura Osborn of Anderson, IN, Kayla (Brandon) Dillon of Cookeville, TN, Cody Vaughn of Chesterfield, IN, Ryan (Chantel) Herndon of Chesterfield, IN, Addie (Carson) Wright of Muncie, IN, Jonathan (Teresa) Herndon of Pendleton, IN, Jessica (Jaron) Sidwell of Oro Valley, AZ, Maddy (Devon) Bates of Canton, GA, Gavin Vaughn of Anderson, IN.

Mary adored her nine great grandchildren: Savanna Darnell, Lauren Osborn, Aaron Osborn, Colton Wooley, Lucas Morgan, Cayde Herndon, Bryce Herndon, Indigo Bates, and Evelyn Vaughn.

She is preceded in death by her parents Floyd Forrest Bowman and  Addie Roe (Cook) Bowman; husbands; Bill Vaughn, Rodney Herndon, and Gerry Schlensker; Nineteen siblings; and grandson, Joey Darnell.

Mary’s presence enriched the lives of those around her, leaving an incredible legacy behind to all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory continue to inspire faith, love, laughter, hard work, and dedication in us all.

A visitation will be held on Thursday April 4, 2024, from 10:00-12:00pm with a funeral service beginning at 12pm at Legacy Cremation and Funeral Services 504 W. Ninth St. Anderson, IN 46016.

Pastor Al Dayton will be officiating the service.