ISLAND FALLS – Marie Elizabeth Banton, 89, died Jan. 7, 2011, after a brief illness. She was born Sept. 11, 1921, in Island Falls, daughter of Frank and Clara (McIntire) Martin. Mrs. Banton graduated from Island Falls High School in 1939. In 1944 she earned a degree as a registered nurse from Madigan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She married Dr. George W. Banton Feb. 8, 1945, in Island Falls. Marie and George lived most of their 64 years together in Island Falls. She was a member of Whitter Congregational Church of Christ. In later years they enjoyed many winters in Zephyrhills, Fla. One of Marie’s biggest joys in life was music. She enjoyed sharing her gift of music and did so in many ways throughout the community. She is survived by her sister, Helen Babcock of Bangor; her son, Craig Banton and his wife, Vicki, of Cumberland; daughters, Martha Murray of Lebanon, Tenn., and Suzanne Cates and her husband, Glenn, of Zephyrhills, Fla.; granddaughters, Kelly Cyr and her husband, Eric, of Gorham, and Kimberly Lowe and her husband, Edward, of Lebanon, Tenn.; and great-grandchildren, Patrick and Jack Cyr and Addison Lowe. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Dr. George W. Banton; brothers, Lawrence and Ronald Martin; and son-in-law, Joseph Murray. A graveside service will be held in the spring. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls
MARIE ELIZABETH BANTON
