Rae Dee Banks was born to Frank and Vivian Banks on Jan. 3, 1935, in Los Angeles, Calif., and passed away on Sept. 24, 2022 at Mountain Care Center in Snowflake. Due to medical complications that Rae had as a baby and difficulties with employment Frank had during that time the family moved to Seligman. Rae grew up in Seligman and graduated from Seligman High School in 1953. Rae went on to college at Arizona State University and later met Don LaMarr. Rae gave birth to her first child Deborah in 1958 in Boulder City, Nev., and later had Carl in 1961 in Phoenix. Rae divorced and went to work to earn income to support her family of three. Rae worked as a secretary for Arizona Public Service (APS) and lived in a small house in Phoenix, owned by some close friends, the Douthits. Rae raised Deborah and Carl as a single mom until she met and married Cliff Brokaw in 1968. Rae and Cliff along with Deborah and Carl moved to Douglas for a brief time and then moved to Las Vegas, Nev., where Rae worked as an executive secretary for the district attorney. Rae gave birth to Clifford (Bo as he was known to the family) in 1970 in Boulder City, Nev. Rae, Cliff, Deborah, Carl and Bo moved back to Phoenix shortly after Bo was born in the same house and Rae went back to work as an executive secretary for the CEO of a Big Brothers organization. Rae and Cliff bought their first home in 1973 in Sunny Slope. Rae was very active in work, church, always taking classes that interested her; especially archeology. Rae volunteered with a local archeological society, loved to hike, camp and play tennis. In 1977 Rae and family moved to Joseph City. Rae immediately fell in love with the community and church members in Joseph City and quickly made many friends. Rae was a member of the LDS church and held many positions but her favorite was working in the library and anything to do with genealogy. Rae worked for the Joseph City School District superintendent for many years. Rae and Cliff divorced in 1979 and she later married Clark but Rae soon realized she was too independent to be married and they divorced. After Deborah and Carl married and moved away, she moved back to Phoenix and again worked for APS. Rae had a brief stint in North Carolina but that didn’t last and she moved back to Glendale, Ariz., and worked for APS until she officially retired. Rae longed to retire and move back to Joseph City a place she considered home. Rae bought a place on First North Street in Joseph City and did all the things she loved. Participated in plays, was active in church, played tennis and did genealogical research. She loved being independent living in her home and spending time with her friends and church family. Rae loved most sports but tennis and football were her favorites. Rae lived at home in good health until she was 87. Rae is survived by her daughter, Deborah; granddaughters, Victoria and Jessica; son, Carl; grandsons, Dustin, Steve and Kelby; and granddaughter, Brittney. She was preceded in death by her son, Bo (Cliff). Surviving Cliff are Tyler, Sydnee and Abby. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at Joseph City Cemetery. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements.
