Martha Ruth Sage Banka

Mrs. Banka died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at Aldersgate Village in Topeka.

She was born Feb. 22, 1920, in Shawnee County, the daughter of Cary W. and Eunice V. Warner Crow. She lived in Dover for many years. She grew up in Rossville, Willard and Valencia and graduated from Rossville High School.

Mrs. Banka worked at Jayhawk Drug Store at the soda fountain. She also worked at Washburn University in Topeka for many years. She delivered the Topeka Capital-Journal in Dover and was a custodian at Dover Federated Church. She was a member of the church and Ladies Aid at the church. She also was a member of Dover Rebekah Lodge.

She married Richard J. Sage on Feb. 22, 1941. He died June 8, 1979. She married Andrew Banka on Feb. 14, 1982. He died Sept. 28, 2001.

A daughter, Sally VanCleave, died Oct. 15, 1990.

Survivors include two sons, Richard Dean Sage, Perry, and Larry Sage, Dover; a daughter, Ada Kay Mitchell, Harveyville; two sisters, Ada Miller, Texas, and Mildred Page, Rossville; three brothers, Neil Crow, Dover, Bryon Crow, Topeka, Alvin Crow, Dover; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the church.

The family suggests contributions to Heart of America Hospice, sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple, St. Marys 66536.