Joyce M. Banka

Joyce M. Banka, 92, passed on Friday, May 19, 2023. Joyce was born January 14, 1931 in Conrad to Elmer and Alice (Fowler) Meuli. She attended grade school at Rosalia, WA while living at her grandfather’s farm. Later, Joyce attended school at Higgins School in Ledger and went on to graduate from Conrad High School in 1949. She married Tom Banka in Conrad on October 15, 1949. Together Tom and Joyce enjoyed farm life as they worked the family farm until deciding to retire in 1990 due to Tom’s health. On their farm, Joyce had a large vegetable and flower garden, was a bird watcher, and loved to cook.

During retirement Tom and Joyce spent time in Mexico, Arizona, and traveled many places in their motorhome. They enjoyed antiquing and collecting at stores and swap meets.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Tom; her parents; 1 brother; and 1 sister.

Survivors include her children, Bob (Peggy) Banka of Denver, Deanne (Rick) Cotter of Silverdale, WA; and Karen Stanley of Ponchatoula, LA; 6 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a brother, Dave (Barb) Meuli of Conrad.

Graveside services will be Friday, May 26, at 2pm at Hillside Cemetery in Conrad.

Memorials can be made to Peace Hospice or charity of donor’s choice.