Olive Irene Banham

OLIVE IRENE BANHAM Olive Irene Banham passed away January 03, 2016. Visitation will be from 9-10AM Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016 at Floral Hills Funeral Home with funeral services at 10AM. Irene is preceded in death by her husband Elmer Lawrence Banham, her parents, her brother, her sister and brother in law; and grand-daughter, Christina. Irene was married to Elmer Banham on August 10, 1946 in Maryland. Irene and Elmer had two sons; Lawrence Wayne and Lloyd Douglas Banham. Irene leaves her sister in Law, Memory Roberts (late husband Russell), cousin Marilyn (husband Dr. Gerald) Lee and many nieces and nephews. Irene leaves her sons and their wives; Larry (Carla) and Lloyd (Camie) Irene leaves seven grandchildren Kerri Bailey (husband John) , Heather Banham, Stacy Banham, Amy Smutzer, Tara Banham, Meghann Woodward (husband Chris) and Matthew Shotton (wife Susie). Irene leaves seven great grand children; Connor (Kerri & John), Devon, Austin & Hannah (Amy), Tyler (Tara), Ashlyn (Matthew & Susie) and Sawyer Belle and one great grandchild that is due in August (Meghann & Chris). Irene had a very busy work life, and worked at Western Union. In 1951 she joined Montgomery Wards in their Accounting Department and retired in 1976 with honors. After her retirement – Irene worked at Physician’s Microbiology Services; her son Lloyd’s Company and also at White’s Medical Laboratory in Kansas City, Missouri. Irene was quite the sportswoman. She loved water sports, boating and loved bowling. She played on a league from 1960-1964. Irene loved to travel and several cruises were taken with friends and family. After Elmer’s death Irene met Jim Benefield and they spent several years together until his death. Irene and Jim travelled extensively through-out the United States. Irene is loved and missed by family and friends.