Verna Mae Banks

September 10, 1931 – August 9, 2026

Verna Mae Banks (née Easterbrook), 94, of Pasco, Washington, passed into peace on August 9, 2026, her family holding her hands and surrounding her with love.

Verna was born September 10, 1931, in Big Creek, Idaho, to Raymond H. Easterbrook and Bonnie I. Craig. She graduated from Kendrick High School in Kendrick, Idaho, in 1950. She attended Kinman Business University in Spokane, Washington, from 1951 to 1952. Verna moved to Richland, Washington, in 1952, where she worked for AEC Security at Hanford from 1952 through 1958.

On July 27, 1957, Verna married Edward Nathan Banks in Richland, Washington. They were married for 40 years before his death in 1997, and together they raised four children. Verna was immensely proud of her family, which grew over the years to include five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her deep joy.

She was a woman of quiet strength and deep warmth, a homemaker at heart who also spent years working in the cafeteria at Pasco High School and later at the Pasco Public Library, where her caring nature touched all those around her.

Some of Verna's happiest hours were spent at the family cabin on Priest Lake, where there were plenty of laughs, card games, walks, huckleberry picking, and joyous memories made. She was an accomplished quilter and canner, and she poured the same care into her home that she poured into everything she touched. Those who were fortunate enough to sit at her table knew her as a truly fabulous cook.

A devoted member of Riverview United Methodist Church, Verna volunteered generously in the church kitchen, finding deep purpose in quiet service to others, and sang faithfully in the choir.

Above all, Verna was known for her joy. She was a beautiful, caring woman who greeted life with unwavering positivity and deep love for her husband, her children, and everyone in her circle. She was strong and resilient, meeting life's hardships with grace, and she treated others with kindness, offering a gentle hand and, when it was needed, velvet gloves.

In addition to her husband, Edward Nathan Banks, Verna was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond H. Easterbrook and Bonnie I. Craig, and her brothers, Charles Easterbrook, Raymond Easterbrook, and Gene Easterbrook.

Verna is survived by her four children, Adrienne (Banks) Peterson and her husband, Jeff, Kenneth Banks, Barbara (Banks) Sydor and her husband, Frank, and Roger Banks; her five grandchildren, Michael Sydor, Nicole (Sydor) Loiseau and her husband, Josh, Ellen Peterson and her husband, Felix, Sierra Banks, and Emily Banks; her three great-grandchildren, Mariah Mendoza, Micah Loiseau, and Lucas Loiseau; and her brother, Jack Easterbrook, along with the many friends and neighbors whose lives she inspired.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in our hearts.

At the family's request, there will be no memorial service.