MENDOTA - Christine A. Bankes, 85, of Mendota passed away Jan. 13, 2022 at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Peterstown with Rev. Jeff Windy officiating. Burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at the Wasmer Funeral Home, Mendota.

Pallbearers will be Eric Garrett, Brandon, Dusty, Taylor, Bruce and Andrew Bankes.

Christine was born Jan. 5,1937 in Mendota to Harry J. and Helen (Moyer) Klein. She married William R. Bankes on Feb. 15,1958 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on May 6, 1981.

Survivors include three sons, Bruce (Cathy Jo) Bankes of Troy Grove, Andrew “Andy” (Hazel) Bankes of Princeton and William “Bill” Bankes of Mendota; two daughters, Cynthia “Cindy” Bankes of Mendota and Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Pelayo of Rochelle; 14 grandchildren, Brandon (Brooke), Dustin (Christina), Taylor (Christine), James (Darci), and Greg (Kayla) Bankes, Eric Garrett, Elena (Walter Jenning) Pelayo, Celia Christine and Melinda Pelayo, Laura Clark, Rachael (Oscar) Barona, Peggy, Sabrina and Jessica Turner; 11 great-grandchildren, Dexter, Jasper, Owen, Carson and Cash Bankes, Royce Garrett, Isaac Eagleston, Maxwell, Mitchell and Liam Bates, Justin Clark, Sofia and Alicia Barona, Jorden and Brittany Clark, Leyah Turner, Thomasina and Thasmine Smith, and Isabella Eagleston; three great-great-grandchildren, Emma Jenning, Jenella Smith and Jade Turner; and a sister, Joan Winstead of Mendota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, David Klein in 2015 and John Klein in 2018; a sister, Deloris in infancy; and a stepson, Richard Bankes in 2001.

Christine attended Peterstown Grade School and Mendota Township High School, graduating in 1955. During her work career, she held many different positions. After graduating from high school, she worked at the Faber Hotel, the Kastures Restaurant, Mendota Trouser Factory, and Gibson (later known as Pamida). After her husband passed in 1981, she drove semis for different companies, traveling throughout the entire United States. She later owned the Bankes Ceramic Shop, known as KB Ceramics in Mendota, along with her children. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, reading, crafts and card playing. She was a 4-H Leader, a member of CD of A, and belonged to Holy Cross Church.

Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice or to the family. Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.