Marie Banktson

Marie Jeanette Banktson, 97, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Hospice Kavanagh House, Des Moines, IA. Marie was born September 4, 1923, in Elberta, Michigan to Jesse and Clora Bigley. She was the middle child between brothers Jesse Loys Bigley Jr. and Richard Ellis Bigley. In 1948 she married Robert Banktson of Frankfort, Michigan.

A memorial service will be held at her beloved Elberta United Methodist Church, Elberta, Michigan in the summer or fall of 2021 when it is safe to gather. Burial will follow at the Gilmore Township Cemetery.

Marie became the church pianist at the Elberta Methodist Church around the young age of 12. The names of each Sunday’s hymns were given to her piano teacher so she could practice them before the worship service and as a part of her lessons. With only a few breaks in between, Marie was the church pianist and organist until her daughter Roberta and son-in-law Dennis moved her to Iowa at the age of 86 to live closer to them.

Always passionate about baking, following Marie’s retirement from bank bookkeeping she became best known and loved as the “Cookie Lady.” Baking a batch of cookies nearly every day, she and her little dog Spitzy would deliver them to people who lived in her small village: friends, neighbors, the postmaster, the village office, snowplow drivers, her church, and most of all her weekly hairdresser’s salon. When the house next door to her sold, she found out that the realtor had used living next door to the Cookie Lady as a selling tool. Upon moving to Iowa, she continued the cookie tradition by providing cookies each morning for the coffee hour while living at Plymouth Place. Still, her generous spirit wasn’t limited to people. Marie carried dog and cat treats in her purse and later in her walker ever hopeful of spotting an animal that she could feed.

Marie is survived by her daughters Martha (Virgil) Scott and Roberta (Dennis) Victor; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She had a special relationship with her granddaughter Kimberly Victor, Des Moines, who will forever miss their Tuesday date-night dinners together. Grandson David Victor and his wife Sasha facetimed with “Grandma-Rie” weekly from Montana to keep her updated on the antics of great-grandson Otis. Their calls and videos never failed to bring a smile to her face and joy in her heart.

Marie loved to crochet baby blankets, afghans and most of all lace doilies. For several years she would make a baby blanket each week and donate it to CROSS Outreach, Des Moines, to give to young mothers in crisis. Marie had an amazing memory for details that continued throughout her entire life. She loved simple card games and playing RummiKub with family and friends - which she took rather seriously. No talking was allowed when it was your turn to play.

Perhaps Marie’s favorite Bible verse summates her gentle spirit more than any other words that could be offered. Proverbs 15:1: A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Those are words she truly lived by. Her legacy is a life well lived with kindness, generosity, and love.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Elberta United Methodist Church, PO Box 405, Elberta, Michigan 49628 or CROSS Outreach, PO Box 12121, Des Moines, IA 50312.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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