SYBIL JOAN BANKS

Sybil Joan “Emma” Banks, 88, of Alpena, left this earth peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2023. Emma was a kind, caring, loving, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend as well as many more giving roles. She always brought a smile to those who crossed her path and will be dearly missed. Emma was born on April 19, 1935 to the late Russell and Beulah (Montie) Rondeau in Alpena.  
On February 12, 1966, Emma joined hands in marriage with the love of her life Elmer Banks. They joined together in matrimony at St. Paul Catholic Church in Onaway, MI. She loved her time when she worked for many years as a switchboard operator and then later became the secretary to the district manager of Bell Telephone. She then went on to assist people making dreams come true by being a real estate agent for several years in Georgia until her retirement and returning to the Alpena area. There were many things that Emma enjoyed throughout her life such as being an artist creating beautiful paintings, ceramics, pottery, and many other mediums. She talked frequently about her adventures snow skiing (especially in Europe) and when she slowed a little, loved watching pro football and Green Bay’s team. But nothing brought her greater joy than helping others. She was often found volunteering for Catholic Human Services, the Peace Corps, or spending time through the Prison Fellowship outreach assisting those in need. She also had an incredible love for the beach and the peace it brought her. Emma was also known for her presence and never started a day without her “Lips”. She enjoyed life to its fullest and did so often with a glass of white wine (with ice of course).
Emma is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Elmer, a daughter, Beverly Banks and her husband, Jim Stachlewitz, five grandchildren; Danielle (Josh) Rogers, Gabe (Chelsie Coons) Banks, Kory Banks, Brice Giet, Kortney (Logan) Whittle, three step-grandchildren; Mitchell (Ashley) Stachlewitz, Lottie Stowers, Ashlynn Sharp, four great grandchildren, three step-great grandchildren, a sister, Beverly Rondeau Kindt, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Russell Banks, and siblings, Rodney Rondeau, Sylvia Rondeau Conway, and Linda Rondeau Kelly.
The family will receive friends for a celebration of Emma’s life at Karpus Hunter & Ross Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. until the time of memorial service at 5:00 P.M. with Fr. Michael Lingaur officiating. Online condolences may be registered at www.karpushuntercares.com