Frances M. Banister

Frances (Frannie) Banister, age 84, formerly of rural Springfield went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, May 14, 2018 while at the Christian Villiage in Lincoln, IL with her sister, Esther, by her side.

Frannie was born on February 3, 1934, the daughter of Offie A. And Esther (Ritchhart) Rankin.  After graduating from Middletown High School in 1952, she was employed at Lehn and Fink in Lincoln, IL. She married Donald Banister on July 16, 1960. She then worked as a homemaker, daycare provider, and cook at Chick-Fil-A.

Frannie was an active member of the Sherman United Methodist Church.  She was a past President for the United Methodist Women, in addition to many other offices.  She also served as Sunday School Superintendent, VBS Coordinator, and a Stephen Minister.  She was famous for making wonderful gravy for the chicken fundraising dinners for many years.

Frannie loved Jesus and her family.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She traveled far and wide to spend time with her family and never missed a Rankin Family Gathering.

Frannie is survived by her children, Patti (Mike) Barnett of Williamsville, Brenda (Jeff) Knollenberg of Owensboro, KY, and Tom (Loreli) Banister of North Prince George, VA; grandchildren Jody Formea (Lex James) Chatham, George Muller, Richland, WA, Rachel (Joe) Hemstock, Springfield, Corinne Barnett, Williamsville, Henry and Audrey Knollenberg, Owensboro KY, Ty (Shelby) Banister, Ft. Riley, KS, Haylei Banister, Lebanon, TN, Austin Banister, Randolph Air Force Base ,TX, and Taylor Banister, Ft. Campbell, KY;  8 great-grandchildren; siblings Esther Boward, Middletown, and Richard (Janell) Rankin of Rocheport, MO; several brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Frannie is preceded in death by her parents, husband Don, and siblings Offie (Jim) Rankin, Margaret Rankin, Kenneth Rankin, Mary Hildebrandt, Harold Rankin, John Rankin, Elmer Rankin, Bob Rankin and Patty Rankin.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 20, 5-8 PM and Monday, May 21, 10-11 AM at the Sherman United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be Monday, May 21 at 11 AM at the church with Pastor Ryan Edgecombe and Pastor Craig Sweet officiating.  Burial will be at Camp Butler Cemetary.

Memorials may be given to the Christian Village Auxiliary, Lincoln, IL.