Janice Darline Banister

Janice Darline Banister passed away peacefully in her sleep on Christmas Eve. She was born in Bakersfield, California on November 15, 1941, to the late Fanny and CL Meek. Janice, better known as Darline, was a name that her maternal grandfather Frank Juerrick requested she be called when he came to live with her family. He had said Janice wasn't a good Czechoslovakian name and that Darline was better. Darline was the youngest of three children- Calvin Meek (Clara) of Lamont, CA, and Uzella Harrison (Warren) of Yuma, AZ. She graduated from Arvin High school in 1959.

Darline met Gary A. Banister while they worked together at the Original Willow Glen Resident newspaper. They fell in love and married in April of 1962. They lived in San Jose, CA until they bought an acre of land in Morgan Hill, CA, and built a home in 1972. They lived there until her passing. Darline is survived by her husband Gary A. and 4 children, Steve K. Banister (Lisa) of Manteca, CA, Michael E. Banister (Susie) of Los Banos, CA, Kenneth A. Banister of Morgan Hill, CA, and Jeannette R. Baran (Jeff) of Kent, WA. She has 2 living grandchildren, Raeann Banister and Parker Baran. Two grandchildren proceed her in death, Stephanie and MacKenzie Banister. She is also proceed in death by her brother-in-laws Ronald H. Banister, John R. Banister, and Carl Harrison.

Darline was an exceptional and dedicated wife and mother like no other. She would sacrifice anything for her family. She was a homemaker until her youngest was in Jr. High. She eventually would work for 18 years in the transportation department of the Morgan Hill Unified School District. She would agonize over Fall school bus routes in the summertime. She was smart, calm, and an asset to any organization where she worked or volunteered Past Secretary Retired Public Employees Association. Darline cared deeply for her friends and neighbors. She was always there to lend an ear to anyone who needed it.

She will be greatly missed by those left behind. On Friday, January 14th, Visitation at 6 pm and a Celebration of Life at 7 pm at the Willow Glen Funeral Home.