Anna Marie “Ann” (Howerton) Gayheart

Anna Marie “Ann” (Howerton) Gayheart, age 86, of Shelby, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at her home. Her death follows a multi-year battle with Parkinson’s disease and a more recent diagnosis of heart disease.

Born April 3, 1939, in Newfoundland, Elliott County, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Ray and Melinda Alice (Conn) Howerton. A 1958 graduate of Shelby High School, Ann worked at Shelby Mutual Insurance Company following graduation. On August 3, 1961, she married Glen Gayheart at the Church of God in Wise, Virginia. After their marriage, Ann and Glen began their family, and Ann devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker- raising their two children and, as the years went on, playing an important role in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ann and Glen shared 55 years of marriage prior to his passing on September 25, 2015.

A longtime member of Tiro Northern United Baptist Church, Ann served faithfully as a Sunday School leader and led the Children’s Church program for many years. She was also a dedicated Girl Scout leader for over 15 years, where she loved working with the girls—many of whom affectionately knew her as “Grandma.” Ann enjoyed crafting of various kinds and treasured the simple joy of meeting up with her friends at McDonald’s and Wendy’s for regular gatherings filled with conversation and laughter.

She loved her family deeply, and her greatest joy came from the time she spent with them. Surviving are her children: Sherrie (Steve) Loveless of Shelby and Rodney Gayheart of Crestline; grandchildren: Tabitha Shindeldecker, Samantha (Steve) McHan, Cody Gayheart, Maranda (Anthony) Secrist, and Travis Gayheart; step-grandchildren: Joel Loveless and Mary (Mike) Mozes; and great-grandchildren: Lorelai Penry, Miriam Penry, Joanna Shindeldecker, Saralynn McHan, and Matthew McHan. Also surviving are her sisters: Sally (Garnis) Hall and Laura (Jerry) Policy; her sister-in-law and best friend: Anna Mae Gearheart; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, Glen, Ann was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Noah Adams.

Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 11 am-1 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Pastor Merlin Dye will officiate the services with burial following beside her husband, Glen, in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Tiro Northern United Baptist Church.

Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).