Gladys Bowman Ahmuty

Arden- Gladys Bowman Ahmuty passed away on November 13, 2019 at her home in Arden, NC. She was born in Jeffress, VA on September 5, 1920 to Claude Sewell and Martha Louise Bowman. Jeffress is located just across the Roanoke River from Clarksville, VA where Gladys grew up. She graduated from Clarksville High School.

Gladys met her first husband, Franklin E. (Dutch) Cranford, Jr., in 1944 while she was working in the supply department at the Norfolk Naval Yard. They married in 1945 and moved to Annapolis, MD where they raised their three children, Gary Franklin, Deborah Kay and Charles Bowman. Gladys was a homemaker while her children were young. She later went to school to become a medical assistant.

Dutch passed away in February 1974. Gladys remarried in November 1977 to Samuel Ahmuty, Jr. They were married for twelve years until he passed away in 1989.

Gladys attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Annapolis, MD.

She was a master bridge player, loved doing daily crossword puzzles and enjoyed playing Scrabble. She was an excellent seamstress, loved listening to music and enjoyed square dancing. She also made the best crab cakes in the world.

Gladys moved to Asheville, NC in 2005 and settled in the Ardenwoods Retirement Community. She moved to Heather Glen in 2017.

Gladys treasured her time with her family and was always supportive of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children and their families: Gary (Patricia) Cranford, and his children, Vanessa Cranford and her son, Cameron Fare, John (Cassie) Cranford, James (Lizzie) Cranford and their children, Penelope and Lucia; Deborah (James) Boyne and their children, Jennifer (Charles) Castles and their children, Madelyn and Susannah, Melissa (David) Hiserote and their children, Tyler and Ella; Charles (Bernadette) Cranford and their child, Marissa.

She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Page Chewning, and her extended family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Claude Cecil.

Gladys will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Heather Glen and Four Seasons Hospice Care for their support and compassion during her last days. A private service will be held at a later date.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.