Obituary of Shirley E. Bankert

Johnsburg: Shirley Elaine (Jones) Bankert, 85, of Park Road, passed away peacefully, Monday, September 25, 2017 at Glens Falls Hospital, following a brief illness. Born June 16, 1932 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Everett and Anna (Hopkins) Jones. She married Anthony D. Bankert on January 21, 1956. The couple moved throughout New York and New Hampshire before retiring to Johnsburg. Shirley wore many hats when it came to her working years. She was an Avon representative in Liverpool, where she also worked at the GE plant, and she drove a flag car for oversized loads in Bedford, NH. Locally, she worked as a telephone operator in North Creek, managed a tavern in Bakers Mills, was a local realtor, and Johnsburg Town Assessor. Her greatest love was for her children, grandchild, and great grandchildren and she cherished the time spent watching them grow. She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, fishing, garage sales, gardening and she especially loved the ocean, where she spent happy years wintering on the Gulf of Mexico with her husband. Shirley was fiercely independent, and a champion of causes. She was active in her community and politics, as well as instrumental in forming the Johnsburg Arts Committee. She also became a strong advocate for women. Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her beloved husband of 44 years, a son, Charles A. Bankert, and grandson, Kyle A. Dunkley. She is survived by her children, Michael E. Bankert of Johnsburg and Shirley (Suki) Dunkley of North Creek; three great-grandchildren, Meghan, Riley and Adrianna Dunkley; and brother, Roger (Claudette) Jones of Johnsburg. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call on Shirley’s family from 12 to 2 pm, Monday, October 2, 2017 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate her life will immediately follow the visitation at 2 pm, at the funeral home with Rev. Ronald Allen, officiating. Burial will follow in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg Shirley’s children would like to thank the staff at Adirondack Tri-County Nursing Home and Glens Falls Hospital for the loving care she received. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Shirley’s memory to the Johnsburg Emergency Squad or Adirondack Tri-County Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.