Florence M. Bankert Age 96, of Waynesburg, passed away at the Compassionate Care Center at Aultman Woodlawn in Canton on Sunday, October 21, 2012. She was born in East Sparta on May 9, 1916 to O. C. and Mary (Hendershot) Gill, resided in East Sparta and Waynesburg nearly her entire life, and had lived at the Canton Christian Home (Independent Living) since 2008. Florence married Jack H. Bankert on July 25, 1936, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 4, 1977, and her son John W. Bankert, also preceded her on March 12, 2009. She is survived by sons Larry Bankert and Lee Bankert and their wives, Tammie and Erin, respectively. Florence is also survived by special family members Joan Bankert, Donna Whitacre, Sherry Welker, Mary Jo Williams and Mary Eden; grandchildren Scott (Sandra) Bankert, Darcy (Joe) Phillips, Paula Flores, Jodi (Dennis) Crawford, Mark (Colleen) Bankert, J. Craig Bankert, Juli (Jason) Haines, Brett (Mandy) Bankert, Leanne Bankert, and Bonnie (Shane) Offenberger, 23 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Florence, or "Nanny" as known by her family, graduated from East Sparta High School in 1934. Among the many things she enjoyed in life, she loved to cook, bake and sew. She was a very talented seamstress, having made countless items for her family and friends with great joy. She also had a tremendous gift of hospitality as she treasured hosting her family on any occasion, particularly annual family reunions. Florence truly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially all her grandchildren. Her gentleness, kindness and love to everyone she met will always be remembered. She was a long-time member of the former Waynesburg United Methodist Church, where she served in numerous capacities, and the Busy Bees, a women's club that she belonged to for many years of her life. She retired in 1976 from the Sparta Ceramic Tile Co. in East Sparta, and enjoyed working for Cibos Restaurant in Waynesburg for over 20 years later in life. In addition, she was a Red Cross Volunteer at Aultman Hospital for 21 years. She was also a supporter of the Helping Hands Network in Waynesburg. Services will be held Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, at 11 a.m. in the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home in Magnolia with Pastor Peggy Garner and Ron Iwanusa, Chaplain of the Canton Christian Home, officiating. Interment in Sandy Valley Cemetery in Waynesburg. Family and friends will be received Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Friday one hour before the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Canton Christian Home, 2550 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44709. The family would like to thank the Canton Christian Home, and particularly nurse Kathy, along with the Compassionate Care Center of the Aultman Health Foundation, for their kindness and love. Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com Gordon (330) 866-9425