It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara (Enns) Banman, aged 89 years, beloved wife, mother and Oma. After sustaining a broken hip, the impact of surgery proved to be overwhelming, and she relinquished her life at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Manitoba on May 3, 2008. Barbara is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jacob Banman, her eldest son Bob (Joanne), grandson David (Anne), great-grandson Daniel, granddaughter Heidi (Randy) Reimer, great-grandchildren Ella and Nikolas, second son Edward (Jill), grandson Karl, granddaughter Maria (Tyler) Barrell, and granddaughter Christina, and third son Gerald (Teresa), and granddaughter Lindsey. She was predeceased by her parents David and Margaretha Enns, her sisters Katie Rempel, Margaret Quiring, Mary Banman and their spouses, and her daughter-in-law Marilyn (Peters) Banman. Barbara was born on October 31, 1918, at the Neuteich Estate in Russia. These were turbulent times as revolution and violence spread over the Mennonite settlements. Having lost everything, her family immigrated to Canada in 1924 when Barbara was six years old. They arrived in Kitchener, Ontario where they were taken in by the Witmer family. In 1925, the Enns family moved to Dominion City, Manitoba and later to a farm in Grunthal. Growing up, Barbara was an “A” student, a veracious reader and a prolific writer, but much to her dismay, her education was curtailed after grade eight. Growing up in the “Dirty Thirties” meant earning a living came first, and at the age of 15, she went to work as a maid in Winnipeg, as many young Mennonite girls did, to assist her family financially. Barbara related many stories about the hardships of being a maid where you were on call around the clock for a monthly wage of $4.00. She worked very hard and learned to be efficient and organized, and all the while, she maintained her sense of propriety and dignity. She kept in close touch with the Mennonite Maedchenheim, a church run institution which kept watch over the young Mennonite girls as they coped with their jobs away from home and family. Barbara made many lasting friendships through her Maedchenheim connection. At a family wedding, Barbara met Jacob Banman. A courtship ensued, and they were married in 1942. They moved to a farm in Landmark, Manitoba, where Barbara and Jake worked very hard. Ever wanting to improve their life, they purchased the Greenland Transfer in 1945. They were blessed by the birth of a son, Robert (1945) and a second son, Edward (1949). The family moved to Steinbach in 1950. In 1953, they opened an Esso station and in 1956, a Volkswagen car dealership. A third son, Gerald, was born in 1954 and the family was complete. Jake worked long hours at the business and Barbara worked hard to make a wonderful home for Jake and her three boys. She opened that home to family and friends often, and she always entertained with a flair. Her caring, devotion, and sense of obligation was shown as Barbara looked after her ailing mother and later her mother-in- law. Many years later, she and Jake spent much time in California also caring for Edward’s family and first wife, Marilyn, as she struggled with cancer. In 1958, she and Jake built a cabin at Falcon Lake which became a focal point for family and friends. Many happy and lasting memories were made there. Barbara loved to travel and spearheaded many family holidays, particularly to the southern U.S.A. She researched the trips thoroughly, which made them all the more interesting for Jake and her boys. Barbara had a special affinity for children. She was able to communicate at their level and reason with them. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all had a very special relationship with her. While caring for and nurturing her family was Barbara’s number one concern, she was a loyal and caring friend to many. She would constantly call or write people to encourage, compliment or console them. Barbara had a greater sense of community and she was a very proud founding member of the Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach. She worked tirelessly as a volunteer at the Mennonite Heritage Museum and always promoted the good works of the Mennonite Central Committee. Barbara had a sharp intellect and loved debate and politics. She was a proud Conservative, and she and Jake were honoured with a lifetime Provincial Progressive Conservative party membership. Of particular pride was her son Bob’s election to the Manitoba Legislature and appointment to the Provincial Cabinet of Sterling Lyon. She was very instrumental in campaigning and strategizing during Bob’s involvement with politics. Barbara made sure that her home was always opened to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, be it day or night. Her love was unconditional; her advice was always wise and sage. She set a standard for her family which was consistent, true and uncompromising. She was truly an exceptional person and she will be loved and remembered fondly and missed greatly. The family wishes to thank all of the dedicated professionals at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital for their kindness, compassion and genuine caring. Viewing will be held at the Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, Manitoba on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. A devotional service to follow at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service for Barbara Banman will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace Mennonite Church, 430 Third Street in Steinbach. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9; Bethesda Foundation, Box 939, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1A3 or the Mennonite Heritage Village, 231 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T8.