Ellen Alene Bachman, age 89 of Fort Branch, IN formerly of Salem, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.

She was born on June 10, 1936, in Odin, the daughter of Valcoe C. and Dovie Loraine (Deadmond) Thompson.  She grew up in a lively home, the fifth of seven children.  She married Willard C. “Bill” Bachman Jr. in 1955 and became a licensed beautician.  They lived in Danville and Oakwood to raise their family, moving back to Salem in 1971 to support the family furniture business.

Survivors include her children, Lucinda “Cindi” E. Bachman Paulin of Fort Branch, IN, Robert A. Bachman of Fort Branch, IN, and Bradford C. Bachman and wife Susan of Richmond, TX; grandchildren, Jacob C. Bachman, Rebecca K. Bachman, Ashley E. Savage and husband Lucas, Keeton D. Bachman and significant other Madi Morris, and Zachary Bachman and wife Sidney; great-grandchildren, Braylee Bachman, Ryder Savage, Mayvis Bachman, and another Savage on the way; sister-in-law, Kitty Thompson of Sandoval; many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly; and her former spouse, Bill Bachman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant child, Cheryl; siblings, Bobby Thompson, Billy Joe Thompson, Dorothy Reynolds and husband Robert Dean, Barbara Lee Malan and husband Glenwood, Wanda Faye Myers and husband Monte, and Alice Jane Carrol; and special companion, Earl Gordon.

Alene was always a hard worker, spending many hours on her feet as a hairdresser, furniture salesman, and as a factory worker for 31 years, retiring at the age of 81.  She loved sports, she was a high school cheerleader, a pitcher for her softball team, and an avid bowler.  She was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals Fan.  She was a real people person. Most importantly she enjoyed spending time with her musical family, enjoying singing, dancing, and playing cards.