Grace E. Banks, 100, was born Nov. 16, 1925, at Rock Hill to Reuben and Ida Eck. The family moved when she was three years old to Corbett - her dad had gotten a job at the acid factory located there. She attended the one-room school in Corbett until she reached seventh grade. The little school closed and she was forced to attend school in Downsville. She found the change upsetting and was not happy there. She fell in love with Clifford Banks, the boy next door and married young. They had two children, a son Roger and a daughter Nancy.
Grace was a housewife who kept her home spic and span. She loved flowers and taking care of them. She was a birdwatcher and always kept a feeder. When she made cookies she would share them with family, neighbors and the residents at Roscoe Manor. She learned to embroider as a child, and it remained a hobby. She made many pretty pillowcases, stand covers, and tablecloths. She loved spending time at her daughter and son-in-law’s cabin. She said it was heaven on Earth. Her niece Fae Brown sometimes joined them there for tea and to reminisce. Getting cards for holidays always cheered her. She especially cherished those made by her great-granddaughters Katie and Kiera.
Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She often babysat Corey and Rachel when they were little as they lived nearby. She appreciated her senior meals and visiting with those who delivered them.
As years passed, she felt the loss of many family members, such as her parents Reuben and Ida, husband Clifford, and her son Roger. All her siblings - brothers William, Harry, Lloyd, Kenny, and her sisters Ella and Rachel. She is also predeceased by her grandsons Corey Tompkins, Clifford (Buddy) Banks, and great-grandson Owen.
Grace is survived by her daughter and son in-law Gordon and Nancy Tompkins; Rachel Tompkins, Correna Bivens, Christy Banks, Wendy Banks, Emily Vandermark, John Banks, Bryan (Kelly) Banks, and Michael. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and her friend Harriet Gardner.
When she turned 100 in November of last year, she received a Certificate of Centennial Honor from the Downsville Historical Society in recognition of her distinguished milestone.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In her memory donations may be made to Colchester Senior Meals: PO Box 137, Downsville, NY 13755.
Courtney Funeral Home of Walton is handling the arrangements.
