Rose Marie Banks, Ph.D.

Rose Marie Banks was born March 26, 1933 to Charles and Gladys Banks in St. Louis, Missouri, one of 13 children.  She graduated from Rosati Kain Catholic High School.  She continued her education earning a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Louis University, Masters of Science from Webster University School of Education, and her Ph.D. from St. Louis University.

Her extensive career began as an elementary and secondary teacher in the St. Louis schools.  She then became the Supervisor of Humanities in the University City Public School System and went on to serve as the Assistant Superintendent for the Hammond, IN, Schools then Supervisor of the English and Drama for the Gary (IN) School Corporation.  At  Indiana University Northwest, she taught in the Minorities Studies Department.  Upon completion of State and Federal requirements, Rose became a registered representative with FSC Securities Corporation and a Financial Planners with Ely Graham Financial Advisory Services.  She served over 300 clients.

After retirement from Ely Graham, Rose served as a member of the Diocese of Gary Program and Budget Review Committee, a founder and member of the Drexel Foundation for Educational Excellence Inc., an active member of the Thea Bowman leadership Academy School Board, and she was a member of the Council of Museums and Education in the Visual Arts of New York City.

Among the many awards and the recognition she received was the Sagamores of the Wabash State of Indiana Award, the Gary Greats Award, and the African American Achievers Youth Recognition Award.

She was a faithful and dedicated parishioner of St. Monica St. Luke Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana.  Rose was a humanitarian through her support and donations to numerous organizations, family members and friends.  Her attention to the needs of others both financial and physical was part of her unselfish personality.  She guided many people through plans for retirement.

In her spare time he loved to read and do needlepoint.  Rose collected and shared many thoughts, poems, and quotes.  her travels included many national and international locations.  Rose cared for family and friends and enjoyed entertaining people in her home for as long as she was able.  She made from scratch her famous pound cakes and homemade chicken noodle soup which she shared with others.

Dr. Rose Marie Banks passed away April 6, 2021, at her residence in Schererville, IN., following a lingering illness.  She was the lone survivor of the 13 children in her family.  Rose will always be remembered fondly by her remaining family members, her devoted friends and people whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, you can send donations to : Meharry Medical College  Attention : Gift Management Services Hulda Margaret Lyttle Hall 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd. Nashville, TN. 37208.  

Graveside Service will be on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Ridgelawn Cemetery 4401 West Ridge Road Gary, IN. 46408.  *Please arrive at Ridgelawn Cemetery Office by 10:45 a.m.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rose Marie Banks, Ph.D., please visit our floral store.