Barbara Banta Belknap, 94, died on Dec. 20, 2014, in St. Paul, Minn.

She was born Jan. 28, 1920, in Milltown, Wis., to Roy and Jessie Dubois Banta. In November 1946, she married Clinton Woodrow Belknap, who died in March 1960.

Surviving are two children, Douglas (Elena Sopoci) Belknap, Santa Fe, N.M., and Pamela (William Lamson) Belknap, St. Paul, Minn.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

She graduated from high school in Casson, Minn., and from Minneapolis Business College. During World War II, she worked in the Yukon Territory of Canada, Binghamton, N.Y., and Oakridge, Tenn. She later was employed in Minneapolis, Minn.

In 1951, she and her family moved to Celina. She and Lucille Schelich founded the Cottage Bookstore, which is now owned and operated by Wright State University. She later worked at Production Credit Association and retired in 1986 after 21 years of employment as the clerical office manager of Fanning/Howey Associates Inc.

After retirement, she served as the clerk of the Celina City Council for eight years. Her volunteer work included the American Cancer Society and the Mercer County Council on Aging.

She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Celina. She traveled extensively, including trips to Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In 2009, she returned to St. Paul, Minn., to be near her daughter.

She will be remembered by friends and family for her positive outlook, quick wit and dry sense of humor.

At her request, a memorial service for family members only will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Mercer County Council on Aging.

Condolences may be sent to www.lhdfuneralhome.com.