Dr. Diane C. Banks Obituary (1945 - 2007)

Funeral mass for Diane C. Banks, M.D., 62, will take place at 10 a.m. on Nov. 24, 2007, at St. Vivian's Catholic Church in Milan. Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. James E. Walker, Vicar General, of the Diocese of Gallup, and The Very Rev. Alberto Avella. A rosary will be recited Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at the church. She was born on July 14, 1945 in Washington, D.C., and passed away Nov. 20, 2007. Dr. Banks began her medical practice in Grants in 1992 and delivered more than 1,000 children. She was a volunteer in the old hospital's emergency room and later was chief of staff in the transition of the new Cibola General Hospital and served as president of the Cibola County Medical Society. The physician also served HeadStart, sports programs and provided medical services for the Mt.Taylor Winter Quadrathlon. A strong supporter of the county, City of Grants and Village of Milan, she also supported the Native American communities. She was a liturgist and accordianist with the St. Vivian's Parish choir. She is survived by her husband: Deacon Rogelio Fernandez-Rojo; daughters: Debrah Kemp and husband Dennis, Deirdre Chapman and husband Rick, Becky Wright and husband Bobby; sister: Nancy Adams; sister-in-law Roberta Fernandez-Rojo; six grandchildren; one niece and many close friends.