Banman, Dorothy T. Dirksen (1927-2003)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2003 June 28 p. 2
Newton Kansan obituary: 2003 June 30 p. 11

Birth date: 1927 Sep 19

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2003 Aug 11 p. 8

text of obituary:

DOROTHY BANMAN

Dorothy T. Banman, 75, died June 27, 2003, at Bethesda Nursing Home in Goessel, Kan. She was born Sept. 19, 1927, to Theodore and Martha (Schroeder) Dirksen on their farm in McPherson County.

She was baptized in Goessel Mennonite Church on May 28, 1944, and was a member until her death.

She graduated from Goessel High School and from Bethel College in North Newton, where she received her teaching certificate. She taught several years in Harvey and McPherson counties.

On June 10, 1948, she married Marvin J. Banman and they lived on their rural Canton farm for 45 years. Besides the busy life of a farm wife and mother, she also worked as a clinic receptionist for 12 years and then as secretary at a children's residential agency for 15 years.

In June 1993, they retired from farming and moved to Goessel. In May, she moved into a Bethesda duplex and after becoming ill, into Bethesda Nursing Home.

She enjoyed flowers and was a member of the Goessel Garden Club. She also enjoyed traveling with her family, and was a member of the women's group in her church.

Survivors include two sons, Keith of rural Canton and Nelson of Topeka; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; and an uncle, Roland Dirksen of Moundridge.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, in 1996; an infant son, Courtney; a sister, Julie Flynn; and a brother, Robert Dirksen. Memorial services were held at Goessel Mennonite Church. Burial was in Goessel Mennonite Church Cemetery.