NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Raymond Banta, born Feb. 11, 1941, in Snyder, Texas, passed peacefully July 4, 2014, in Santa Rosa, Calif.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Gail Banta; his children, Matthew (Cynthia) Banta, Laura (Bob) Hemken, Jeanine (Mark) Erquiaga, Kelly Vanderwesthuizen and Melissa (Alan) Lawson; 12 grandchildren; nieces, Patricia Lindsay and Marcie Banta; nephew, John (Lisa) Stapp; and other nieces and nephews.

Ray worked at Lake Community Bank for many years and was a member of the Lakeport Elks Lodge.  

His love was his family, gardening and going to the casino and being with the Elks group.  

He was always well thought of by his many treasured friends and he truly will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Lakeport Elks Lodge, 3775 Lakeshore Blvd., Lakeport.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary (FD1336) at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611.