John Bangs

John William Bangs peacefully passed away Friday, May 26, 2017, at his home in Toppenish, WA. He was born to Glen and Leona (Eberts) Bangs on July 7, 1942, in Toppenish. He graduated from Toppenish High School in 1960. The following year he married Mary Ella Roth on June 10, 1961. Johnny, as so many people called him, was a loved and respected husband, father, grandfather and uncle. John served in the United States Air Force in Fairbanks, AK, from 1966-1970. After returning to Toppenish in 1970, he worked at Bates Furniture and later worked at the Del Monte can plant, for Mutual of Omaha Insurance company, and as a custodian for the Toppenish School District until his retirement in 2001. He and Mary Ella were able to experience many enjoyable summers at Cascade Peaks Family Campground near Packwood, WA, and winters back at home in Toppenish. John enjoyed time with his family, his daily ride down to the Yakima River, morning coffee at Dad’s Restaurant and those weekly Sunday visits with his cousin, Delmar Bangs, over coffee. John had a way of sharing stories of the old days that kept you wanting to return for more. The love and laughter shared will live on forever in his memory. John is survived by his wife and best friend of 55 years, Mary Ella, of Toppenish; his daughter Alisa Clark of Beaverton, OR, her husband Geoff, their five children, James, Alex, Justin, Jordan and Sarah; and his son Michael, wife Lisa and grandson, Zachary, of Toppenish. John was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Leona Bangs, and his brother, Raymond, all of Toppenish. Viewing will be held on Thursday, June 1, from 4-7 p.m., at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah, WA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 2, at 11 a.m., at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Zillah, followed by graveside service at the Zillah Cemetery. To share a memory of John, please visit www.valleyhillsfuneralhome.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Bangs, please visit our flower store.