Muriel Joann (Ballard) Bankes, 72, of Malta, Ohio passed away peacefully at her home on April 13, 2020.

Born July 8, 1947 in Hamilton, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of the late Rev. Roy F. Ballard and Beulah (Walsh) Ballard. Muriel is survived by her devoted husband, David Bankes of Malta, Ohio and her four children - Judy (Daniel) Wilson, Jon (Ash) Bankes, Kat (Adam) Norris and Lisa (Jacob) Smith, her seventeen grandchildren - Joshua (Regina) Wilson, Tabitha (Aaron) Downing, Makayla Bankes, Samuel Wilson, Stephen Wilson, Timothy Wilson, Jonah Norris, Jedidiah Wilson, Sara Smith, Anna Norris, Kemuel Wilson, Rachel Bankes, Olivia Smith, Adiel Wilson, Jamin Wilson, Alexander Smith, and Ian Bankes, as well as two great grandchildren, Jeremiah Wilson and Aria Wilson. She also leaves behind a long list of additional friends and family.

Muriel was a faithful member of the Portersville United Methodist Church although she and her music traveled anywhere she was called. She had a strong faith in Jesus that she was always willing to share, and we know she is at peace in heaven.

Muriel attended Ohio Wesleyan and graduated from Hocking College School of Nursing. Besides her family, Muriel had two great passions in her life - nursing and music. Muriel worked as an LPN for more than 40 years, the majority at Highland Oaks Health Center in McConnelsville, Ohio. Muriel began playing piano for her first church at the age of 7 and never stopped. Muriel loved volunteer work. Over the years she had been active in Eastern Star, the Morgan High School choirs and bands, the Athenian Berean Community Theater in Nelsonville, Ohio, and the local children's community theaters.

Muriel was only happy if she was busy, and she was loved by everyone who knew her. Muriel Bankes will be greatly missed, but we know that she, and her music, will always live on.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to the Morgan High School Music Boosters. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.