Banks, Claire Elaine 81, longtime resident of Golden Valley, died on December 18. She was born July 1, 1933, in St. Paul, MN, the only child to Jack and Dorothy Niles. She graduated from Buffalo High School and soon thereafter met her future husband, Richard (Dick) Banks. The two were married on March 31, 1953. Claire was a fiercely loyal friend and a friend to many. Her life was perhaps most blessed by the friendships made through two bridge groups that she cherished over the last 45 years. Claire was also an avid sports fan devoting countless hours to cheering for her Twins, Vikings and Gophers. She is survived by three children, John (Saul), Julie (Shareef), and Jamie (Steve) and two grandchildren (Lucy, Yousif). She was preceded in death by her husband Dick and two children, Guy and Tracie. Visitation Monday, December 22 at 10 am, followed by her funeral at 11 am at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, 5000 W. 50th & Hwy 100. Private interment at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to mom's favorite charity, Children's Hospital of MN, childrensmn.org Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996