Connie J. Banta

Connie J. Banta, 79, Crawfordsville, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Franciscan St. Elizabeth East in Lafayette.

She was born Augst 24, 1947 in Lebanon, Indiana to James and Marjorie (Strong) Shelley. She retired from Crawfordsville High School as a custodian and attended East Side Baptist Church.

She loved her plants, enjoyed travelling and was Willie Nelson’s #1 fan. Not only did she enjoy time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, but she would give you the shirt off of her back to help others. She was lovingly called “Mama Connie” by so many.

Surviving are her children, Dodie Leslie and Heather (Jason) VanCleave, both of Crawfordsville as well as 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son, Jamie Martin and siblings Ed Shelley, Rosalie Toney and Viola Shelley.

Funeral services are scheduled for 5 PM Tuesday at Hunt & Son Funeral Home with a visitation beginning at 3:00 PM. Following funeral services she will be cremated.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com