Wanda Banta

Wanda Ruth Banta, longtime resident of Pawnee, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, age 79 years, nine months and nine days. Wanda was born March 6, 1936, in Wetumka, Oklahoma.  She was the daughter of James Preslie and Wanda Ilene (Brown) Aultman.  As a young girl Wanda grew up and attended school in Wetumka later graduating with the Class of 1954.  She was united in marriage to William Lee Banta on July 25, 1957, in Holdenville, Oklahoma.  Following their marriage the couple has resided in Wetumka, Kingfisher and Wichita   Falls, Texas until September of 1961.  At that time, Wanda and Bill moved to Pawnee, Oklahoma where she has continued to reside.  Wanda worked at the Pawnee School Cafeteria where she later retired.  Wanda was the first woman to be elected to the Pawnee City Council.  She served from 1975 until 1983.   Wanda was a family person and loved being around them.  She was very family oriented, making her life revolve around her grandchildren, great grandchildren or anyone who would let her be their grandmother.  Wanda was also a wonderful seamstress.  Making numerous baby blankets for her friends and family.  Trips to Branson, Missouri was one of Wanda's favorite places to visit.  Survivors are her daughter Carol Lynn Eddington and her husband Steven of Owasso, Oklahoma; one sister Juanema Ogle of Wetumka, Oklahoma; four grandchildren Brian Lee Eddington and his wife Jennifer of Owasso, Oklahoma, Christopher Lee Eddington and his wife Laura of Owasso, Oklahoma, Kendra Yarber and her husband Shawn of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Jace Banta of Pawnee, Oklahoma; four great grandchildren Eli, Owen, Kamdyn, Hadley and numerous other relatives and friends.  In addition to her parents Wanda was preceded in death by her husband William Lee Banta, son William Banta Jr., two sisters Pauline Bricker, Betty Sue Crabtree and one brother James Henry Aultman. Chapel Services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, December 18, 2015 at Poteet Funeral Home with Rev. Don Brown officiating.  Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home and Cremation Services.