Dr. Ann Churchhilk Edelen Banes

Dr. Ann Churchill Edelen Banes, a devoted mother, grandmother, dentist, and woman of deep Catholic faith, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends.

 Ann was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Her middle name, Churchill, was a tribute not to Winston Churchill, but to the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, reflecting her deep Kentucky roots and lifelong love of horses. 

She went on to attend the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), where she was one of only six women in her graduating class—among the first classes at the school to include female graduates. At a time when dentistry was overwhelmingly male-dominated, Ann helped pave the way for women in the profession. She went on to own and operate her own dental clinic, building a practice defined not only by clinical excellence, but by compassion and generosity. 

Ann had a remarkable ability to balance the demands of being a small business owner with being a deeply present and attentive mother. She created meaningful holiday traditions for her family, showed up in the everyday moments, and still found time to care for others—checking in on those who were homebound and making sure no one felt forgotten. 

Her care extended far beyond her family. She often treated patients who had little or no ability to pay, telling them that if they could give even a dollar a month, she would continue to care for them. To her, dignity and access to care mattered more than anything else.

Ann lived a life grounded in deep Catholic faith, which guided her service to others. She volunteered with Project Rachel, offering counseling and support to women seeking healing and hope. Her faith also led her on numerous pilgrimages, including journeys to Jerusalem, Medjugorje, and Conyers, Georgia, each of which held deep personal meaning for her.

Family and community were at the heart of Ann’s life. She served as a Girl Scout troop leader, mentored young people, and had a gift for making others feel cared for and included. She often “adopted” the children of her staff and friends as her own, and her Christmas celebrations were known for their warmth, generosity, and sense of belonging.

Ann was also remarkably talented with her hands—she sewed dresses and created beautiful things with care and intention. She had a lifelong love of flowers and gardening, cultivating beauty wherever she lived. She was an avid ballroom dancer, bringing grace and joy to the dance floor.

She also had a deep love for animals, especially horses and dogs, which were a constant source of joy throughout her life.

Ann was known as an extraordinary gift-giver and a woman of delightful contradictions. It didn’t matter if you were on a diet—she would arrive with an entire cake, a special loaf of bread, a Danish, or bread pudding, take a single bite herself, and then happily pass the rest along, explaining that she was “gluten-free.” She was always discovering something special to share—whether it was an artisan gelato from the farmers market or a hand-painted wooden Easter decoration she had found and saved for just the right person. She remembered the smallest details people mentioned in passing and would surprise them months later with something deeply thoughtful and personal. It was one of the many ways she made people feel seen and loved.

She is survived by her children, Andrea Banes Picon, Dr. Ashley Banes, and Mark Deklin; her grandchildren, Sofia Picon, Juan Enrique Picon Banes, Kylie Deklin, and Julian Deklin; her son-in-law, Juan Picon; her daughter-in-law, Jamie Deklin; her siblings, Sherrill Edelen, John Edelen, and Jean LeClair; her cousins, Barbara Wolfe, Donna Wolfe, and Vickie Winsor; her nieces Sara Baker, and Erin Kutter; her nephew Uriah Rowland; and a large extended family of loved ones, including David Therrell, her dear friend who was like a son to her. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Atticus Swift Bridges.

She had a heart like a trolley car—always room for one more.

Ann’s life was marked by generosity, faith, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to family and community. She will be remembered for the countless lives she touched, the beauty she created, and the way she made each person feel like they belonged.

Her family finds comfort in the hope of the Resurrection and reunion in eternal life.

May Christ grant her perpetual rest, and may the eternal light of God’s countenance shine ever upon her.