Avis Bell Banashek, 94, of Churchton passed away June 1, 2018 at her residence. She was born January 28, 1924 in Palmyra, WI to Frank William and Katherine Margueritte (Strike) Steele. Avis was raised in Palmyra and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1941 and later attended Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee, WI. Avis was briefly employed as a typist for the U.S. Civil Service Commission before going to work for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Washington, D.C. Following her time at IAM, Avis went to work for the Capital Gazette Newspapers, Inc. in Annapolis and later the Times-Voice Newspaper. Avis was a member of Independent Baptist Church in Deale. In her leisure time she enjoyed playing the piano, oil painting, teaching music, correspondence and traveling, both domestic and overseas.

Avis was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Francis Banashek. She is survived by her sons Gene D. Bell of Florissant, MO and Joseph F. Banashek and wife Hoa Nickpee of Churchton and grandchildren James, Joseph and Christina Banashek, Catharine E. Chazen and Jarrett D., Blake A. and Jordan A. Bell.