Rita Elizabeth Bannister, 93 of Ormond Beach Florida (formerly of Cornish NH) died peacefully on August 26, 2024 with her adoptive daughter, Lori Avery by her side.  She was born on July 15, 1931 in Littleton NH to Raymond & Ellice Pageau who later moved to Lebanon NH.   Rita attended school in Lebanon and was a 1950 graduate of Lebanon High School. She later married her husband Elbert "Timmy" Bannister on February 1, 1964.  She leaves behind her son, John "Johnny" Bannister, his wife Melissa and two grandsons, Joseph and Timothy Bannister of Cornish NH. In addition she leaves behind the Avery's- who she celebrated holidays, family events with and she called her family for many years.  Lori Avery (Jay Fountain) of Grantham, Rich Avery (Kerry) of Plymouth Minnesota, and Barbara LaBounty (Troy) of Port St. Lucie, FL.  She was pre-deceased by her husband Timmy, her parents and Janet & Richard Avery.

Rita retired to Ormond Beach, Fl. with Janet and Richard Avery, a medical event placed her in a nursing home where she spent her last few years, however she was the bell of the ball!  She was a regular in the reading library, knitting, crafts, nail painting, and bingo where she was a frequent winner! A broken hip placed her in a wheelchair, however that didn't stop her from getting around!  She could be found up and down the hallways, visiting friends, sitting outside, feeding the squirrels (which was frowned upon) and sort of offering you a jelly bean- her favorites from her never ending supply.   When asked if she wanted to return to NH- she firmly said NO- its warmer here!

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7pm on Wednesday, September 4th at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Francis Church in Windsor VT on Thursday afternoon September 5th at 2PM. Burial will be after for family only.  Lori would like to thank the Stuart F. Meyers Hospice Center for the comfort and care on her last two days on earth.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Stuart F. Meyers Hospice Center, 150 Memorial Medical Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32164