Martha Banks

Martha was born August 6th 1916 in Butterfield, MN to Peter and Amelia (Halvorson) Wettestead. Martha graduated from St. James High School in 1934. She was united in marriage to Robert Joseph Schmillen in 1935. Her husband RJ died in 1978. Martha later married Robert Banks. Martha was noted for her warm heart and smile, and her great hospitality and cooking. Martha was the best cook ever. Martha's greatest passion was the love and care of her 10 grandchildren, and the memorable times at her lake home on Long Lake. Martha was very active with the Catholic Church and a member of the Catholic Daughters and the United Trainman's Union for the Women's Auxiliary. Martha enjoyed her family, nature, living at the lake, knitting, bridge, gardening, and golf. Survivors include 3 sons and 1 daughter: Peter Schmillen and his wife Kim of Dallas Texas, Robert and his wife Julie of Madison Lake, Anthony and his wife Diane of Pepin WS, and daughter Judy Kramer and her husband Richard of Harlingen Texas, 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Martha was preceded in death by her husband Robert (RJ) Schmillen, her sister Elmira and her parents.