Shirley Ann Bowman

After a beautiful day with family and friends, Shirley “Ann” (Dudley) Bowman peacefully passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born in Bicknell, Indiana, Ann was the youngest child of Marion Sylvan and Ella Marie (Robbins) Dudley. She grew up with her sister, Lillah Mae (Dudley) Boyd, and brothers, William “Bill” Dudley and Max Dudley.

A proud graduate and valedictorian of the Bicknell High School Class of 1953, Ann began her college journey at Vincennes University, majoring in education. She fondly recalled helping move classroom supplies when VU transitioned from its downtown location to the current campus. A highlight of her college years was being crowned Vincennes University Prom Queen. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University and later completed her master’s degree.

During this time, a friend invited Ann to watch a basketball game where she first saw James Kenneth “Ken” Bowman on the court. That meeting led to a lifelong partnership. Ann and Ken were married on December 30, 1956, and shared more than 65 years together until his passing in 2022. The couple has two daughters, Kelley Jean and Kristi Renee.

Ann was a dedicated educator and community member. Her inaugural year of teaching was with the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation in 1957 to be close to Ken who was stationed at Fort Knox in the US Army. The couple returned home and Ann spent the next 36 years teaching first grade for the Vincennes Community School Corporation at Riley Elementary School. She left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues throughout her teaching career.

She gave her time and talents to several organizations. She held lifetime memberships with the Vincennes University Alumni Association, National Education Association, and Indiana State Teachers Association. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Tri-Kappa and Alpha Theta Chi. She was also a member of First United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ken, son-in-law Brad Deetz, her parents, and three siblings.

Carrying her spirit forward are her daughters Kelley McCarty (John) of Vincennes and Kristi Deetz (Tom Adams) of Vincennes; grandchildren Kenneth Deetz of Evansville; Evelyn Crowley (Nicholas Matthews) of Peoria, Illinois; Elizabeth Hopwood (Hunter) of Vincennes; and great-granddaughter Violet Kay Hopwood of Vincennes. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Carol Bowman of Vincennes and Shirley Bowman of Dayton, Indiana, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will cherish her memory.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, September 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 524 Broadway St., Vincennes. A service celebrating Ann’s life will follow at 1:00 p.m., with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery. Goodwin-Sievers is honored to be entrusted with the care of Ann and her family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shirley Ann (Dudley) Bowman Education Scholarship, supporting students in pursuit of their education at Vincennes University. Donations may be made in person or online at vinu.edu/give.