VIRGINIA BANAS (nee BOWLBY) WHITING, IN Virginia Banas (nee Bowlby) 87 of Whiting, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center, Hammond, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late John Banas, Jr., who passed away January 1, 1986; loving mother of Joanne (Frank) Dybel of Whiting, Roberta (Don) Nicksic of Hammond, Carl (Heather) Banas of Hanna, IN and Kurt Banas, Sr. of Whiting; cherished grandmother; adoring great grandma; dearest sister of Norma (Harry) Tyler and Lora (Lisa Ropke) Bowlby both of Arizona; dear sister-in-law of Bernice (late Robert) Banas of Whiting; proud aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Larry Dybel. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 10:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. Dennis Chriszt, C.PP.S., officiating; entombment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Monday from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00pm; parish wake service at the funeral home on Monday at 2:30pm. Virginia Banas was born on November 12, 1929 to John and Alta Bowlby. She was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region and was a graduate of Hammond High School, Class of 1948.Virginia had been an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting. She had been a volunteer in the nurse's office at St. John School, was involved with the RCIA program, had taught CCD classes and had been active with the Girl Scouts of America. She enjoyed baking and cooking for her family and also enjoyed doing needlepoint. Virginia was devoted to her family and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the "Second Chance for Pets" Network or to the Missionaries of the Precious Blood Retirement Center, Carthagena, OH, would be appreciated. www.baranfh.com (219)659-4400