Grace Marie (Sabaka) Banfield

Grace M. Banfield, 95, of Massillon, with her family at her side, passed away quietly on Thursday morning, March 29, 2018.  Born in Winter, Wisconsin, September 21, 1922, a daughter to the late John and Lena (Allman) Sabaka, Grace graduated from Washington High School and had been a homemaker.  She remained an avid fan of her beloved Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes throughout her long life – attending Massillon football games as recently as this past fall!  A faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Grace helped in the nursery and was involved in the “Snip and Stitch” quilting group.  She also found time to volunteer at the former Massillon State Hospital and more recently, at St. Luke Lutheran Community in North Canton.  A loving wife and a devoted mom, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma, Grace treasured her family and every minute they spent together.  She was also a loyal and supportive friend and will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched and help to shape.
Predeceased by her parents; her husband, Elwood S. Banfield – they were married in St. Paul’s and celebrated many happy years together prior to his passing in 1992; a great-grandson, Corey Durst; four brothers and a sister; and a son-in-law, Thomas Hammer.  Grace is survived by her daughters, JoAnn Stone and Deborah Hammer, both of Massillon; granddaughter, Linda (Robert) Durst; great-granddaughter, April Slaybach and great-great-grandson, Alexander Bushkill, all of Massillon.  Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Mrs. June Lamp, of Massillon; brother-in-law, Paul Banfield, of Florida and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Massillon.  Rev. Dan Cammarn will officiate and burial will follow at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens in North Canton.  The family will receive condolences Monday evening, April 2, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon and one hour prior to the service Tuesday morning from 10-11:00 in the church.

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