BETTY F. BANKS
Betty F. Banks lived a vibrant 90 years before peacefully passing away in her son’s home on September 16, 2011.
Betty was born on July 9, 1921, in the midst of a flood in Pueblo, Colorado to Frank and Fern (Mutz) Piersall. She was the youngest of three daughters: Dorothy, Helen and Betty. She lived in 27 homes in the first 20 years of her life living in Colorado, Michigan and finally settling in Nampa, Idaho. There she attended school and graduated from Nampa High School in 1940. Throughout her high school and young adult life she was a trained classical musician singing soprano and winning numerous awards. Music remained a great love of her life.
Betty married Chuck Banks in the backyard of her parents’ home on July 27, 1941. They began their 58 years together with Chuck being called into service for his country. Chuck was deployed to northern Africa flying missions over Germany. The day she took her daughter Marjean home from the hospital she learned Chuck’s plane had been shot down and he was “missing in action”. It was two months later that she learned he had been taken prisoner of war.
When Chuck returned from World War II, he and Betty, along with Howard Nafzinger, opened Nafzinger-Banks Men’s Store in Nampa, Idaho. In 1950 they opened a second store in Caldwell, Idaho, which became Chuck Banks’ Store For Men. Betty and Chuck made their home in Caldwell until 1980.
Betty was Chuck’s business partner at the store and a wonderful wife and mother. She was known for providing Tom and Bob’s athletic teams with chocolate chip cookies and milk. When her daughter was in the first grade Betty started a Brownie Girl Scouts Troop. She kept this troop together and remained its leader until the girls graduated from high school becoming the infamous Girl Scout Troop 2. They traveled all over Idaho and the Northwest and continued to stay in touch with each other. Their most recent adventure took them to Africa in 2001.
Betty was an elder in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. serving at Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church in Caldwell. As a youth advisor she assisted with several mission trips and as an elder made sure that “Boone” and the Presbytery of Boise supported her son, Tom, in his pursuit of ministry.
She and her husband, Chuck, were very proud of their son Bob and his acceptance into the Air Force Academy. It was at this time they sold the clothing store and began their pursuit of their own college educations. Betty entered college at the age of 52 and graduated from the College of Idaho in 1977 with a teaching degree. She taught special education in the Boise valley until her retirement.
In 1980 Betty and Chuck retired to a beloved cabin in Cascade, Idaho. From there they traveled the world: China, Korea, New Zealand, and doing elder hostels all over the United States. Then in 1995 Betty and Chuck moved to Helena, Montana.
Betty was known for her faith in God and people, love of country, her wonderful wit and interesting way with words, and her amazing friendship to both young and old. One cannot think of Betty Banks without mentioning her best friend Martha Horton, who preceded Betty in death by only a few months. Betty and Martha raised their families together and remained best friends ‘til the end.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters and her daughter-in-law Teresa.
She loved her Lord with all her heart, mind, body and soul and her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Marjean, son-in-law Lee Norland and their two children, Khil and Aemee’ and great grandson Michael; her son Bob and his two children: Ryan and Andrea and Andrea’s husband Todd Rubin; her son Tom daughter-in-law Paula and their four children, Victor, Marnee’, Charla, Valdez and great grandson Dante, as well as a special mother relationship to Roger Cantlon his wife Vicki and their children Lori and Chris.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts to MorningStar International Fellowship, 609 S. Harris, Helena, Montana 59601 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
A celebratory memorial service will be held in Helena at the First Presbyterian Church on Friday, Nov. 18th at 2:00 p.m. There will also be another gathering of family and friends in Idaho in the summer of 2012. At that time the family will scatter Betty’s ashes on her favorite huckleberry hill near Warm Lake, Idaho, where her husband and a few close friends’ ashes have been scattered. People will be informed of this event at a later time.
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Cathy Kovich says
Tom, Paula and family, I am sorry for your loss. And thankful for the time you were all blessed to have Betty in your lives. There is no doubt she is with the Lord. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gary and Cecelia Helming says
To Tom and Paula and the rest of the Banks Clan. So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. What a lady and what a well lead Christian Life!
Blessings
Gary and Cecelia
Jeff and Julie Chaffee says
Tom Paula and family:
We are sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing.
She was such a dynamic person who did a lot for all.
Karolyn Plehal says
Oh my gosh, seeing sweet Betty’s obituary brings a flood of fond memories.
I worked with Chuck and Betty when they were selling their cabin in Cascade. It’s funny how many words are coming to my mind – loving, respectful, genuine, sweet, appreciative. What wonderful people.
The world has lost a treasure.
Blessings to Betty’s family.
Karolyn Plehal, Cascade
Linda Webb says
Garry and I read today in the Idaho Statesman about Betty’s passing. Lately, both of us had thought about Betty with fond memories. Betty and Chuck were the absolutely BEST neighbors. We so loved them and enjoyed many times together in their home. Betty was such a loving mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. We were privileged to share in that love. She and Chuck so loved their kids and grandkids. We would hear so many times about the ‘children’ and what they were doing. They were such Proud parents and grandparents.
I will always treasure a memory of sharing a special night out to a local restaurant to celebrate Garry’s parents 50th anniversary. Betty and Chuck and Tom and Martha joined us. What Role Models for us to look up to for love and commitment of marriage and friendship. God bless all of you. We would love to attend the gathering of friends and family during next summer.
Ralph Nishitani MD says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Betty is at rest with a loving God with whom we all share a confidence in our Creator. Psalms 4 At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep, For you, God, Have kept me in peace. Ralph Nishitani
Rodney & Darla Rohm says
Bob, Tom and Family:
I have fond memories growing up with you in school and spending many times in your home.
Your Mom & Dad were always such a great part of my childhood, they always welcomed us no matter what we were up to.
We have been blessed by both of you recently as we have reconnected, and Tom we enjoyed your news letter that Bob so graciously sent to me.
Darla and I want to extend our prayers with you and your family at this time, and thank our Lord for his Blessings toward your Mom.
PS 91:15 Declares his Love for us so well. Darla & Rodney Rohm
Sharon Pelletier says
Tom/Paul and Banks Family
The departure of a mother is difficult – but the joy the memories bring is amazing. When those little memories spring up without bidding and a smile touches your face, remember who put it there and where she is now. God Bless – Sharon
Steve & Patty Johnson says
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. We always admired Betty for her zest for life.
Steve attended C of I with Betty. They became study buddies and worked on their teaching degrees together.
Patty taught for years with Betty at East Canyon. She was a great example for the younger teachers. She could always make us laugh, and had ultimate patience with
her students. She will be
in our prayers. May she rest in peace.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Tom, Paula, Charla and Marnee. We are sorry to learn of Betty’s passing. She was a lovely Christian woman who always had a big smile and a warm, heartfelt greeting for everyone. Tom and Paula, you took beautiful care of your Mom, she will be greatly missed. Please know we are thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Val and Bob Raisch, Ocala, FL. says
Tom, Paula, and family…
What a lovely tribute to your amazing mother and Grandma. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and we have fond memories of all of the Banks family.
God’s blessings and peace,
Val and Bob Raisch
William and Norma Rohm says
We were so sory to hear about Betty
We have many fond memories from when she lived in Caldwell.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
William and Norma Rohn