Jennifer Lynn Banks was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She cherished being a mother to her four children and her marriage to Gregory. At the age of 39, Jennifer passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, WI, after suffering injuries in an automobile accident.
Jen was born May 6, 1976, in Sterling, IL, the daughter of Dale and Carol (Schoaf) Armstrong. Through her youth, Jen showed strength, smarts, and a fighting spirit. She was a graduate of Morrison High School with the Class of 1994. Jen went on to receive her education degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. She taught at Palm Desert School District in California, while completing her Master’s Degree in Education at the University of California. Upon returning to Illinois, Jen taught at the Huntley, IL, school system and Sterling area schools. On February 27, 2010, Jennifer married Gregory Banks near Galena, IL. Jen’s smile always has been bright–but it shone most brightly once she and Greg found each other. Jennifer, Greg, and their children loved life and building many long-lasting friendships. Jen was one of 40 people in the U. S. to participate in writing the Standards for Education Curriculum, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She also worked part time at the Whiteside Regional Office of Education.
Jen will be missed dearly by her husband, Gregory Banks of Sterling; her four children, Ethan Melcher, Olivia Melcher, Zoey Banks, and Logan Banks; her father and mother, Dale and Carol Armstrong of Winnebago, IL; two brothers, Jonathan (Christia) Armstrong of Siren, WI, and David (Julia) Armstrong of Rockford, IL; her paternal grandmother, Reva Glazier-Armstrong; her father- and mother-in-law, Michael and Kathy Banks of Sterling; two sisters-in-law, Tracy (Ian) Banks-Geiger of Morrison, IL, and Chelsey Banks of Sterling; many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, December 21, 2015, in the auditorium at Morrison High School.
The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 22, 2015, in the auditorium, with the Rev. Michael Jones officiating.
Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, IL.
Memorials may be given in Jen’s memory to advance education.
Jen brought goodness and grace to new heights. Her family hopes all who were touched by Jen will commit to bringing more goodness and grace to the world, to honor her memory.