With deep love and gratitude, we remember Rhonda Kay Banister, 74, of Redfield, SD, formerly of Emory, TX, who passed away on August 24, 2026, under hospice care at her son’s house. Kay lived a life marked by kindness, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Kay’s final act of kindness was to donate her whole body to the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in Vermillion, SD, with the assistance of Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Born on October 12, 1951, a daughter of Bud and Mary (Cox) Christopher, in Deport, Texas, Kay spent her early years in Bogata, Texas, where she graduated from Rivercrest High School in 1970. A gifted athlete, she won a Texas state title in basketball—an early sign of the determination and spirit that would define her. She later married the love of her life, Don Banister, with whom she would build a life filled with family, hard work, and adventure.

She went on to build a successful office furniture business alongside her husband, Don. Over the years, she also worked at a dairy and ice cream museum and as a prep chef at the Pioneer Café, bringing the same care and creativity to every role she took on.

Kay’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted and loving mother to her son, Jason, whom she adored. She also poured her heart into her grandchildren—Maurcel, Lexi, Jasmine, Isaac, and Jaedyn—and her four great-grandchildren. She was the kind of mother and grandmother (or “Memaw”) who made everyone feel cherished. Her love extended far beyond her own family; she helped anyone she could, often guided by her lifelong faith in Jesus and interest in natural path and alternative approaches to health and wellness.

Together with Don, Kay spent many years traveling. They especially loved island destinations where they could snorkel and explore the beauty beneath the waves. After retirement, her love for her family inspired even more travel and shared experiences, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

Those who knew Kay will remember her as one of the kindest and most loving people they ever met. A woman whose warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit left a lasting mark on everyone around her. Her faith in the Lord was an important part of who she was and how she lived, and she carried that faith with her throughout her life. She loved deeply, gave generously, and trusted in the Lord through every season. Her family finds comfort in knowing that God has welcomed her with open arms.

Preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Nelda Christopher.

Kay is survived by her husband of 40 years, Don Banister; her son, Jason (Stacey) Banister of Redfield, SD; her grandchildren, Maurcel (Angela) Gaines-Banister of Edmond, OK, Lexi (Walker) Griffith of Guthrie, OK, Jasmine (Bryce Knigge) Banister of Aberdeen, SD, Isaac Banister, and Jaedyn Banister all of Redfield, SD; her four great-grandchildren, Micah Gaines-Banister, Amari Gaines-Banister, Westyn Knigge, Blaire Knigge; and older sister, Sherryl Christopher of Hot Springs, AR.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The family will have a celebration of life on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. at the home of Jason and Stacey Banister, located at 39130 179th Street in Redfield. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family would truly appreciate any assistance with end-of-life expenses.