"I have known Joan since the 60's when Bill Spencer was going with her and brought her with him to South Park youth group (MYF) Then, I have known her though the years as she always had a smile and a smile for everyone. Then I have known her children and grandchildren. All of you know that your mother and grandmother is in Heaven waiting for you to join her. I am sorry for your loss, but she is waiting for the happy reunion."
In loving memory of
Joan M. Bankes
September 11, 1936 - June 27, 2020
Joan M. Bankes
Joan Marie Bankes, 83, of Canton, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2020 at Red Oak Estates in Canton.
She was born Sept. 11, 1936, in Liverpool, to Grover and Mary (Rogganbuck) Messer. As an infant, Joan and her parents were involved in an automobile crash in which her parents died and she was thrown from the vehicle and found crying in a field. She then was raised by her uncle and aunt, Zeno and Ida Yelton, who preceded her in death.
She married Ronnie Bankes on April 17, 1954. He survives. Also surviving are her children: Pam (Mike) Rabe of Pekin, Kevin (Denise) Bankes of Canton, Mendy (Frank) Jones of Canton, one brother, Allen (Ardis) Messer of Kankakee, one sister-in-law, Marilyn Madson of Lewistown, eight grandchildren and 19 greatgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Nicole Rabe, brothers Leroy,
Harrison and Calvin; and sisters Ida May and Lepha Pearl.
Joan was a lifelong member of First Christian Church of Canton, where she served for 63 years as a Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher. She was a member of the women's sewing circle at the church for several years and had served as a deacon.
She was a member of Eastern Star. She served for decades as an election judge and volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels. She served as PTA president and Bluebird, Camp Fire and Cub Scout leader for many years. She was not one to say no when asked to help. She enjoyed crocheting and playing the piano.
A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 from 5-7 pm at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. Covid 19 mandates require social distancing and the wearing of a mask. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 10 am at the funeral home with a burial to follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or to the American Diabetes Foundation.
To leave online condolences, or to view Joan's video tribute, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"We had such fun and so many laughs with Joan at all the car shows over the years. She was always making something or sharing the treats she brought to share. Feel blessed to call her and Ronnie our friends. Larry and Peggy Miller"
"My deepest sympathy to the family. I?ve known Joan since I was a toddler and they were our neighbors. Of course, I have known her as well my whole life through the church. She was a gem and will be missed by many. I?m sorry we will miss her service, but we are out of town and won?t be back until after the service. Prayers for all of you. ??"
"Our deepest sympathy to the family of Joan Bankes she will be missed. Gary and Pat McIntire "
"She was the best!!!!"
"I?m going to miss you my friend. You?re going to make it to the Feud without me. Rest easy Joan, we?ll see each other again "
"On behalf of Erma Garner & family, Our heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time."
"Kevin and Denise, our thoughts prayers our with you. We love you and we loved your mom. My memories of, " Mrs. Bankes," will always be her loving presence in the nursery at the 1st Christian church. She cared for everyone children like they were her own. Both my boys have baby blankets that she gave them sewn by the ladies of the church. "
"Sorry to hear about the passing of your mother Kevin. Praying for you and your family David and Bonnie Long"
"my deepest sympathy to the entire Bankes family Marilyn Kalebaugh Anderson"
"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May the God of all comfort be a source of comfort to the family during this time of grieving. Psalm 119:76"