Charman Banks Obituary

Charman Carol Banks, 85, of Cedar Rapids, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on February 14, 2025 following a courageous battle with a neurodegenerative disease.
Charman was born on May 26, 1939 in Grinnell, Iowa, to Dorothy and Howard Willett. She spent her earliest years on the family's farm near Brooklyn, Iowa and later the family settled on a dairy farm near Ankeny. Following her high school graduation in 1957, Charman attended Simpson College and the American Institute of Business before marrying the love of her life and best friend, John L. Banks on December 3, 1960. During their early married years, the couple worked hard to support John through college and medical school. His later service in the United States Air Force would take them to Syracuse, New York for several years before returning to Iowa and settling in Cedar Rapids.
Charman worked as a secretary at her church, St Paul's United Methodist for ten years and later the church sponsored Focus program that supported children and families in need. Her Wednesday sewing circle at the church was where she joined with dear friends to make quilts for local shelters, schools and nonprofit organizations. She gave to others freely throughout her life in many quiet ways, as recognition was never her desire, but only to make someone else's life a little better.
Above all else, Charman's family was the most important focus of her life-her husband, two children and eventual daughter-in-law, son-in-law and five grandchildren. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and fostering a loving environment. She was patient, caring and selfless in all of her interactions. She enjoyed cooking and baking and sharing her love through the meals she made and desserts she baked.
Charman was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Dorothy Willett and two brothers Lynn (Mary Kay) Willett, Max Willett and sister-in-law Belinda Willett. She is survived by her husband John, children Marc (Chris) Banks and Michele (Dean) Walstrom; grandchildren Austin (Shannon) Banks, Mason Banks, Ethan Banks, Haley Walstrom and Graham Walstrom; brother Lance Willett and sister-in-law Elaine Willett as well as several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, 11am at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1340 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. A luncheon will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charman's honor to the St. Paul's United Methodist Church Foundation (Cedar Rapids) or the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Chirantan Ghosh and all of her caregivers for their care and compassion.