Rosemary Agnes Banta

Rosemary Banta passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024 at her residence in the John Knox Village Care Center. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 29, 1935, Rosemary was welcomed by her loving parents, William and Agnes Ziegler. As the eldest, Rosemary was joined by six siblings and considered a trusted caretaker. Rosemary was a huge help for her family doing mountains of laundry, changing endless diapers, and braiding sisters' hair. During her childhood, Rosemary lived in St. Paul, MN, Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, IL, and Kansas City, MO as her family followed her father’s work as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service.

Rosemary excelled during her education in parochial schools, graduating from Bishop Hogan High School in Kansas City, MO in 1953. While in high school Rosemary proudly played the baritone in marching band and participated in debate. 

Rosemary attended the University of St. Mary, Leavenworth, KS. Prior to her junior year in 1955, Rosemary fulfilled her aspirations of devoting her life to the Catholic Church, joining the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. She continued her education while a novitiate and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Education in 1957. While a nun, Rosemary dedicated her time to educating youth where the church identified areas of need, including Laramie and Sheridan, WY and Topeka and Kansas City, KS. Rosemary weathered many cold winters and challenging dedicated work during this time.

Rosemary left the convent at age 36 and moved to Kansas City, MO taking a teaching position at Raytown Schools. During this time in Kansas City, MO, Rosemary was introduced to another motivated and interesting teacher, Byron Banta. They were married at a joyous summer wedding in 1976 and spent their lives devoted to one another until Byron’s passing in 2018. During their time together, Rosemary and Byron enjoyed many conversations about local politics, exploring the wonders of Missouri, listening to jazz records, and caring for their cherished dogs.

Rosemary spent the majority of her career at the Raytown School District. She proudly completed her formal education with a Masters of Education in 1977 at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS. Rosemary taught students of all ages, culminating her work with teaching learning disabled students at Raytown High.

Throughout her life, Rosemary excelled at quilting and fabric arts, creating both traditional legacy quilts and colorful dynamic wall hangings. Rosemary’s family and friends treasure her thoughftully given pieces. Rosemary did not sit still in retirement, pursuing hobbies and special interests and keeping her days full. She enjoyed physical fitness including swimming and walking. Rosemary served on the Board of Directors of Hogan Preparatory Academy and tutored several deserving students. Rosemary spent time in the natural world, gardening and watching and identifying birds. Rosemary enjoyed attending musical performances, especially the Kansas City Symphony, with family and friends.

Rosemary is survived by five siblings and many well-loved nieces and nephews: 

● Brother William Ziegler, sister-in-law Carol, nephew John Zeigler and niece Elizabeth Wessel

● Sister Elaine Mullins, brother-in-law Bruce Mullins, nephew Steven Blazer

● Sister Rita McCormick, brother-in-law John McCormick, nephews Bob McCormick, Joseph McCormick, David McCormick

● Sister Joan Sirokman, brother-in-law Mark Sirokman, nephew Brian Sirokman, niece Michelle Beesley, nephew Richard Sirokman

● Brother Michael Ziegler, sister-in-law Carole Ziegler, niece Barbara Hight and nephew Matthew Ziegler

● Brother-in-law Brady Banta and wife Melinda

Please join the family at memorial services for Rosemary Banta at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2024 at The Chapel at John Knox Village (400 N.W. Murray Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081). 

Rosemary and Byron donated generously to several important causes including: 

● Powell Gardens, founding the Byron and Rosemary Banta Sensory Garden

● Kansas City Symphony

● John Knox Village Foundation

● Missouri natural conservation organizations

A donation to any of these causes in her honor is appreciated.