Obituary - Rose (Gondak) Banas

Rose (Gondak) Banas, of Springdale, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, April 4, 2013, in her residence, at the age of 89.

Rose was born July 2, 1923, in Springdale to the late Agnes Gondak and Anthony Wisnieski. 

Rose graduated from Springdale High School in 1941 and resided in the area all of her life.  She worked at the former Fashion Hosiery in New Kensington and in later years was a caregiver.  Rose and her husband were two of the original founders of the Open Bible Church, Springdale, where she was a proud member and taught Sunday school.  She is the author of a book titled “Ordinary People Amazing Miracles,” a book based on her life’s ministry.  Rose devoted her life to spreading God’s word, traveling worldwide with her loving husband Emil and dear friend Shirley Armitage. Rose loved to discuss her trips to the Von Trapp Family lodge in Stow, Vermont where she was a guest speaker. 

Rose was a kind, loving, generous person who always had a twinkle in her eye and a smile.  She was also active in the prison fellowship at the Allegheny County Jail and was a regular visitor to area hospitals and nursing homes.  She was always willing to help anyone who was hungry, financially burdened or just in need to spiritual comfort or council. 

Rose is survived by her loving, devoted, care giving husband of 69 years, Emil.  Emil was Rose’s “Doll.”  They were married on 4/4/44 in Ventura, California.  In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two sons: David (Mary Ann) Banas of Cheswick and Darryl Banas of Springdale; a daughter-in-law Linda Banas Reno of North Sewickley and a sister Mary Petrishen of Natrona Heights.  Also surviving are a grandson, David (Carrie) Banas of Cheswick, a granddaughter, Marneese Cheatham of New Kensington, a great-granddaughter, Charity Cheatham of New Kensington, and a great-great-granddaugther, Payton Cheatham.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving son, Duane in 2004; five brothers:  Joe (infant), Charles, Andrew, Joe, and Frank Gondak, and three sisters:  Mary (infant), Jennie Gondak and Francis Gondak Banas. 

Friends and relatives will be received on Sunday, April 7, 2013 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm in the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., 421 Allegheny Avenue, Oakmont.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 10:30 am in the funeral home with her pastor, the Rev. Donald Frye of the Open Bible Church, Springdale presiding.  Interment will follow in Lakewood Memorial Gardens, Cheswick. 

Memorial donations may be made to Light of Life Ministries, P.O. Box 6823, Pgh, PA  15212-0823. 

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