Debra Banks

Debra Lou Banks, age 61, left us peacefully for Heaven after a short, aggressive illness of CJD (Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease) on Monday March 1, 2021 at EveryStep Hospice. This diagnosis confirmed that Debbie was truly one in a million.

Debbie was diagnosed on February 8, 2021. She never complained and many did not even know she was sick. She touched so many lives with her love and passion for life and by helping others.

Debbie was born October 2, 1959 in Des Moines, Iowa to William and Patricia Watson. Debbie’s love of family was rooted from the beginning of her life’s journey. She grew up in a tiny house full of family and love, she carried that on throughout her life. Deb was a mother to everyone she encountered. Her family was her first priority and she loved playing with her grandbabies, nieces and nephews. Deb loved swimming and doing craft projects with the kids. Debbie loved to dance, cook, and bake. She was always there to help decorate for weddings, showers, and any special event. She was very creative and an avid crafter. Debbie loved and lived life to its fullest. She will be remembered for her laugh and her love of life. Debbie had the gift of gab, loved to chat with friends, and never knew a stranger. You could always count on her to be fashionably late, but she was always the last to leave!

Debbie’s career with Principal began in the late 1980s and spanned over 30 + years. She was a member of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona.

She is survived by her children, Sarah Banks, Amy (Nels) Westvold, and Zak (Sheena) Banks; grandchildren, Tyler, Isabell, Monty, Sierra, Brenna, Brendan, Kaiya, Maddux, Ava, and Thatcher; siblings, Bill (Diana) Watson, Judy (Kent) Wills, Jim (Tammi) Watson, Tom (Trish) Watson, and Sue (Matt) Abraham; 23 nieces and nephews; 19 great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of close-knit family and friends.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents, William and Patricia Watson.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with memorial service following at 1:00 p.m. There will be a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc. via https://cjdfoundation.org/ or 3634 W. Market Street, Suite 110, Akron, OH 44333.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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