Shirley A Banta

Shirley Ann Risden Banta, 92, of Floral City, FL left this world for her heavenly home to be with her Savior the morning of February 2, 2015. Psalms 61:1-2: “Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I”. She passed away at her home in Floral City, peacefully, in her sleep. Shirley was born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey on November 7, 1922 to the late William L. and Juleann Sanders. She married her husband and raised her 2 children in Bloomingdale, N.J. Her husband, Fowler Banta, preceded her in death in 1987. Shirley is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Virginia Banta of Floral City; daughter and son-in-law Gail and Walt McKinnon of Gaskell, N.J.; four granddaughters and eight great-grandchildren. Although she never worked, she had a place in this world as a wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. As a grandmother, her little cottage was a place of refuge to forget life’s ups and downs and enjoy card games, dominoes, Shirley Temple movies and laughter. She was known for her eggplant parmesan and spinach dip that were always requested at every party! Her great-grandchildren knew they could walk down the sidewalk to Nanny’s house for a sweet treat of chocolate, she always had stocked up in case they came by! Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Shirley was loved by her family and friends. She was a proud member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she attended with her family. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to the church for their Feed the Hungry Program. The family will be receiving friends in visitation on Sunday, 1:00 P.M. with a service at 2:00 P.M. at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness. FL. Pastor Greg Kell from Cornerstone Baptist Church will be officiating. Burial will follow the service at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Inverness.