Etta Banks

Etta Banks passed away Friday, June 25, 2010, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer.  She was born in Bellingham WA on September 18^th, 1938. Etta graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1956 and she worked for DSHS and the Department of Corrections for 25 years before retiring. She loved fishing, camping, traveling and her cats and dogs.

 

She was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth (Sturman) Jansen and niece Tammy Matter. She is survived by her father, Martin Matter and his wife Maria; her brother Albert Matter, his wife Patty and neice Heidi Matter; sons Mike and Tom Kortlever and Mike’s daughters Jayla, Jessie, Joleena, Jennifer and Jacoba; daughter April Miles and her husband Randy and their sons Billy and Shelby;. stepsons Dave Banks and his wife Joanie and Alan Banks and his wife Diane.

 

At her request, no services will be held. The family request that in lieu of flowers  memorials can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Seattle: 192 Nickerson St., Suite 100, Seattle WA 98109; or to the Whatcom County Humane Society.

 

“Only in my spirit can I still run up a green grassy hill. Only in my spirit can I still skip along a shady park path, Only in my spirit can I still run up the stairs. Only in my memory can I still run in out of the cold, windy weather or walk along the beach. Only in my heart can I still dance to the music. And as real as it may seem, it is only in my dreams I still soar and glide with ease. There is no effort or pain no heavy dragging feet. In my spirit and in my dreams, my heart is so light. My steps are so sure and my arms are still strong and yes, I can still run.” – Linda Marshall