Pat Banka

Patricia Ruth Banka, 87, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on February 1st, 2018 at the Missouri River Center in Great Falls, Mt.

Patricia (Pat) was born September 9, 1930 to Kenneth and Lola Petterson Riley in Conrad, Montana.  She was the middle of three sisters, and grew up in Pendroy, Mt until moving to Conrad, Mt.  Pat attended Conrad High School where she met her future husband, John Banka.  After graduating high school in 1948 she worked in Conrad at the Farmers’ State Bank and Cargill Elevators.

She married John Banka on November 8, 1950.  They made their home 11 miles east of Brady, Mt.  She loved country living and being a farmers’ wife, and she is well remembered for her love of animals, flowers, and reading.  She raised her family, sons Michael and Larry, on the family farm.

Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling, camping with friends, and their grandchildren.  They retired to Great Falls, Mt in 1994.  After Johns’ death in 2002, Pat and her sister Marilyn frequently took road trips together to places like Jackpot, Nevada, and Couer D’alene, Idaho. They enjoyed spending time together and had many adventures.  In 2016, she moved to the Rainbow assisted living in Great Falls, Mt, where she enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends.

Pat enjoyed spending time with her 6 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Survivors include her son Larry (wife Rosemarie), daughter –in-law Cindy, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband (John), son (Mike), sisters (Marilyn and Arlene) and niece (Jeanne).

The memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 2:30 PM at the Pondera Valley Lutheran Church.

Memorials can be sent to the Great Falls Rescue Mission or Pondera Valley Lutheran Church in Conrad.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dawne and Dennis Stokes for all their help, support, and love during this most difficult time.