Carolyne S. Banta

Carolyne Sue Banta, age 85, longtime resident of Forest Lake and wife of James E. Banta (deceased), passed away on July 1, 2025, after battling dementia for many years. Carolyne was an accomplished homemaker and hostess, and a wholehearted “people person” who enjoyed making family, friends—and even strangers—smile. She deeply loved and cared for her family, but first and foremost she loved the Lord with all her heart.

Even as her legs weakened and her mind failed, Carolyne was consistent in her primary “job” – to pray daily for her family, including two daughters, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren and their spouses, and five great-grandchildren. She trusted God to answer her prayers as life took many turns throughout her 85 years. From a hard childhood with divorced parents, to a move overseas for her husband Jim’s job, to financial ruin from a dishonest business partner just before retirement age, Carolyne witnessed God’s faithfulness and provision. She struggled with depression and dementia, but she left this world confident that God loved her unconditionally. The family of God always came around her, too, wherever she and Jim lived or worshiped around the world.

Her home for the past five years was Gracewood Advanced Senior Living in Lino Lakes where she was loved and well cared for. Even though dementia had its ugly side, she continued to tease her caregivers with bits of humor—and sometimes she offered unsolicited, but always well-intentioned, advice! On her final two days of life, many aides, staff, nurses, family, and church friends came to sit by her bedside to express their words of appreciation for her kindness and the way she demonstrated the love of Jesus. She made a couple of close friends at Gracewood and for that she was grateful – because getting old is lonely, as she often said.

Today Carolyne walks with Jesus with a clear mind and hopes fulfilled! She is survived by her children, Joy (Bruce) Carlson, Jan (Patrick) Flowers; grandchildren, Seth (Marla) Carlson, Ethan (Natasha) Carlson, Paul Flowers, and Hannah Flowers; great-grandchildren, Soren, Briar, Silas, Cliff, and Gardner Carlson; sisters, Elizabeth (Terry) Schwerm and Trudi (Jeff) Martinco; sister-in-law, Barb Banta; other dear nieces, nephews, and friends (especially dear friends from Centennial Evangelical Free Church who cared for her very well in recent years). She was preceded in death by her husband, James Banta; parents, Cedric Erickson and Christina Marie Stoner; stepfather, George Stoner; sister, Melanie Morris; brother-in-law, Niel Banta; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Quijada and Mary Banta; nephews, Bruce Banta and Mark Sangree; niece, Lynda Banta; and great-nephew, Garth Sangree.

A celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m., Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Forest Lake Christian Church, 420 W. Broadway, Forest Lake, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to service at the church. A time of fellowship and light snacks immediately following. Private interment at Wyoming United Methodist Cemetery. In lieu of plants or flowers, memorials may be made to Centennial Evangelical Free Church (www.cefc.net) or the family.