Eve (Render) Banko 95, passed away in Paradise Valley, AZ on October 21, 2018. She was born on a farm in Britt, Iowa in 1922. The family moved to Chicago, IL where Eve was educated and recognized as an accomplished dancer from an early age. She worked as a dance instructor and professional dancer. In 1943, she married Leonard “Bud” Banko, and in 1954, moved permanently to Arizona. In Phoenix, she worked in the administrative offices of Camelback High School and later for Sears. Concurrently, she was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, and a volunteer and officer of the “Fire Belles,” which provided food, clothing and shelter for families left homeless due to house fires. Later, she volunteered at the St. Mary’s Food Bank in Sun City West, AZ. Eve was talented, beautiful, kind, full of energy and devoted to her family. She is survived by two of her three children, Peter Banko (Pari), and Kathy “Kasha” Banko; seven grandchildren, David Benham, Kirsten Erickson (Mitch), Cameron Banko (Natalie), Yarrow Banko (Krista), Nathan Wise, Annika Banko, and Richard “DJ” Simpson (Caitlin); and seven great-grandchildren. She leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends. She is predeceased by her father & mother, Peter & Rosalia (Werstein) Render; her husband of 56 years, Leonard Banko; her daughter, Susan (Banko) Wise; and grandson, Andrew Wise.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 26th at 10AM at Green Acres Mortuary 401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Eve’s honor to the School of the Ballet Arizona, 2835 E. Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034 Tel: 602-381-0184.
