Gerry Banks

ELLSWORTH - Geraldine “Gerry” Starr Banks, 81, a lifelong resident of Ellsworth Township, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at home surrounded by the family she loved dearly. 

Gerry was born Jan. 19, 1945, to Chester and Virginia (Perish) Starr. She attended Western Reserve High School, where she was a cheerleader, and was a proud member of the first graduating class of the “new” high school in 1963. 

Throughout her life, Gerry was a hardworking and devoted member of her community. During and after high school, she worked for her family’s business, Holly Beverage. She later worked as a secretary for Graef Storm Window Company before beginning a 25-year career as a school bus driver for Canfield Schools. She retired in 2008, leaving behind many students and families who fondly remembered her. 

Gerry had a lifelong love of horses and 4-H. She began showing horses as a young person and eventually became a 4-H advisor for the Mahoning Valley Equestrians, a role she proudly held for 25 years. She loved helping young people learn, grow, and experience the same joy that horses and 4-H had brought to her. 

She also treasured the simple things in life. Gerry never let a day go by without feeding her birds and tending to her flowers. She cherished her annual trips to the Cincinnati Open in Mason, Ohio, with her beloved Aunt Irene Perish. But perhaps no place held a more special place in Gerry’s heart than the family cottage and lake, built by her father in 1956. It was a place filled with memories, family, laughter, and love—a place she treasured throughout her life. 

Gerry’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She especially cherished the time she spent with her great-grandson, Wesley, and took great pride in watching her family grow through the generations. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Virginia (Perish) Starr; brothers, Chester Jr., Larry, and Jeffrey; and nephews, Nathan and Cody. 

Gerry is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Ronald Sr.; son, Ron Jr. (Kelly); daughter, Kerry (Banks) Leeman; sister, Audrey (Starr) (Richard) Rhinehart; grandchildren, Halle Leeman, Karlee (Dave) Banks, Kassidy Banks, Kristin Gebhart, Korbin Gebhart, Kara Gebhart, and Kyle Gebhart; great-grandson, Wesley; great-grand-daughter, Avery; and many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Southern Care Hospice, where Gerry received exceptional care during the final four weeks of her life. A special thank you goes to her nurse, Jalayia Sharp, who was a true blessing to Gerry and to the entire family. Her compassion, kindness, and care will never be forgotten. 

Gerry’s life was one of love, family, hard work, and quiet moments that became treasured memories. She will be deeply missed and forever loved by the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know her.

Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Southern Care Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.