Barbara Ellen "Nana" Pile (Bowles)

Barbara Ellen Benton Pile, affectionately known as "Nana," passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on August 4, 2025. She was 85 years old. Born on March 7, 1940, in Emory, Texas, to the late Pennington Fry Bowles and Florence Lillian McKay Bowles, Barbara was a lifelong resident of East Texas, growing up in Greenville and Winnsboro.

Barbara dedicated over 20 years of her life to working in nursing homes, providing care and comfort to many. She also worked alongside her late husband, Ivan "Red" Benton, for many years on the family farm. On May 10, 2007, she married Ev Pile, who also preceded her in death. Barbara was a faithful member of Coldwater Baptist Church.

She had a creative spirit and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and reading. Barbara was known for being the "comic relief" for everyone around her. While she could be serious when needed, she loved to joke around and make people laugh, bringing joy to all who knew her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ivan "Red" Benton; her husband, Ev Pile; her brothers, Glenn Bowles, Ray Bowles and Jimmie Bowles; and her sisters, Johnnie Brown, Pansy Bramhall and Hattie Bowles.

She is survived by her sister, Frances Spence; her daughter, Allison Husmann and husband Brian Husmann; her stepdaughter, Debra Clarke and husband Jack Clarke; her granddaughters, Brittany Morgan and husband Terry Morgan, and Ashleigh Castro; her great-granddaughters, Sophilliah Gutierrez, Maliah Castro, and Camila Castro (father Johnny Castro); her great-great-granddaughter, Autumn Morgan; her special caregiver, Kimberly Crocker; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Bethel Cemetery in Scroggins, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Child Advocacy Center in Wood County. https://www.netcac.org/donate/