BANKS, Ann (Annie) V.

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, November 07, 2012 Ann V. Banks It was on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 23, 2012, when Ann V. Banks entered the Heavenly Gates. She was 84. A beloved mother and grandmother, Ann was born in Oklahoma on Jan. 22, 1928, in Garfield County. A woman of wisdom and love, she inspired everyone she met. Even in her youth, Ann was a born leader. She once started a school newspaper, as well as a marching band and twirled the baton as a Majorette. Ever artistically inclined, Ann performed in numerous school plays. An enthusiastic athlete, she starred on various basketball teams. Later, during WWII, in 1945, at age 17, Ann took a Civil Service test to work at the Pentagon. During her employment at the Pentagon, she played basketball and piano and was a member of the Pentagon Players. Eleanor Roosevelt often referred to her as "Annie." Ann understood that politics have a deep impact on our lives. She stayed aware and involved, and even served as the vice president of the Arizona chapter of "United We Stand America" for then-candidate Ross Perot. If there was a defining passion in Ann's life, it was writing. She wrote for various newspapers as well as in magazines such as Readers Digest. Getting to know Ann meant coming to understand her as a person with a profoundly enlightened spirituality. She believed that "Life is all things in God and God is everywhere." She shared God's love in everything she did. Indeed, she was a divine example of her own dear beliefs. The glow of her love and positive energy has made a lasting impression on everyone she knew. We know now that she is in a better place watching over us. Sweet Ann is survived by her five children, Teka Burger, Stephanie Cowan, James Bartlett, Casey Bartlett and Lex Bartlett. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Peter Burger, James Burger, Tonya Burger, Tomie Cantrell, Shantelle Wallace, Kiea Bartlett, Jasen Bartlett, Cerrisa Snethen, Courtney Bartlett, Logan Bartlett, Sam Bartlett, Chance Bartlett; and 16 great-grandchildren; along with the many friends she has made along her journey. The world is better for her having lived. We are better for having known her. Though her life may have ended too soon, it was a life complete in so many ways. Ann's life and legacy are inspiring to us all. Please feel free to join the Ann Banks Memorial Group on Facebook. Memorial services in Phoenix are 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, at Jesters Mexican Grill, 701 W. Deer Valley Road #4. Please RSVP to Teka at 928-300-2753 or breathmtnair@hotmail.com. Memorial services in Prescott Valley are 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, at Ann Banks' family residence. RSVP by email for details or directions to annbanksmemorial@gmail.com. Information provided by survivors.