Josephine Louise Bany Borchert Vest Myers

Josephine Louise Bany was born September 12, 1923 on a farm in Bremer County near Tripoli, Iowa to Edwin Bany and Amanda (Quade) Bany. She was baptized at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Siegel, Iowa and confirmed on April 10, 1938.

Josephine married Virgil M. Borchert on April 17. 1944 and they were blessed with two sons, Thomas M. Borchert and Lyn B. Borchert. They lived in Tripoli and Fayette, IA and Tucson, AZ. Following Virgil’s death she became a sorority housemother and met and married Jack E. Vest Sr. This union lasted 10 years until he succumbed to injuries received during World War II. Jo retired and at age 74 met and married George E. Myers, her loving companion in retirement. They lived in Tucson at home and later at The Fountains. He predeceased her in 2014. She relocated to Sioux City, IA in 2015.

Josephine enjoyed a varied work life which included being secretary to a college Dean, owning a dress shop, a weekly newspaper editor, owned and operated a steakhouse and motel and was a real estate agent. She spent 19 years as a sorority housemother and made many lasting relationships with the young women at Alpha Xi Delta at the University of Iowa and Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Arizona.

Her greatest love was Jesus and she spent her life learning about Him and telling others about her Savior. Her warmth, spirit and humor gave everyone she met a model of true Christian love and acceptance. She was always ready to give encouragement and support. She loved to make people around her laugh, even if it was at her own expense.

Josephine is survived by her two sons, Thom (Barb) Borchert of Sioux City, IA and Lyn (Karen) Borchert of North Liberty, IA. She is also survived by her sister Sandy Regel of Spokane, WA, grandson Tim (Mary) Borchert, granddaughter Anne (Corey) Westra and grandson, Jeremy Borchert, along with 10 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, sister Arlene Sell, and three husbands.

A Celebration of life was held in Sioux City, IA at the Pointe on the campus of Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to her son, Thom, to be later designated to a scholarship fund in her name.