Celebration of life planned for former Kalispell teacher of the year

Joyce Banzet kept each of the handwritten notes she accumulated over her decades of teaching at Kalispell's Elrod Elementary. They are meticulously attached to a thick three-ring scrapbook that is stuffed with Kodak snapshots of classroom activities and field trips to Glacier National Park, the Sheriff's Office, Sykes and Conrad Mansion. 

Students lovingly doted on Banzet in these letters as a kind and caring teacher who was sorely missed whenever a substitute was called up for duty. 

"I really missed you," wrote one of her students in 1998 after Banzet had been out sick. "I do not want to have a substitute anymore. I like the way you treat us." 

Another considered her a friend who she could talk to. 

"Thank you so much for calling last night," the student wrote on a scrap piece of paper. "It meant a lot to me." 

Parents, meanwhile, praised her patience and in many cases, her ability to elevate a struggling child's interest in learning. 

"I can't tell you what a terrific change of attitude I have seen," one parent offered Banzet in a personal note. "She truly loves school now and is so much more enthusiastic about her work. I know a great deal of the credit goes to you." 

The collection of notes tells the story of a dedicated educator — named Kalispell's teacher of the year in 1990 — who left a lasting impression on each of her students and peers. 

Banzet died this year on May 23 — her birthday — at Kalispell Rehab and Nursing. She was 85 years old. 

BANZET WAS raised in Montana's tiny outpost of Avon, between Helena and Garrison. In sixth grade she had four other classmates, all boys. This was a big change from her early elementary years when she was the only student in her grade. 

Her dad would sometimes pick her up from school on a horse, which she would climb onto from the schoolhouse window. She loved horses and would take up competitive penning later in life. 

Banzet graduated from Avon in 1957 and pursued a higher education at Rocky Mountain College in Billings. 

She always knew she wanted to be a teacher and took her first classroom gig in Wolf Point. The cold and windy winters of the Hi-Line must have gotten to her, her husband Gerry Banzet mused. After a few years, she and a friend jumped at the opportunity to teach in Southern California. 

That's where she met Gerry. Joyce was teaching at an elementary school in La Puente, California and Gerry was driving big rigs for a rock quarry. 

They met at a school carnival — Joyce was working in the white elephant booth. 

"When we shook hands, she was impressed that I had strong, calloused hands like her dad," Gerry smiled. "She told me she was attracted to someone who could work." 

For their second date, Gerry invited Joyce to ride around in his work truck. 

"And we went on from there," Gerry said simply. 

The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage earlier this year. 

JOYCE STARTED as a substitute before taking her position teaching third grade at Elrod Elementary. She was a hands-on educator, whether it was dressing up for Dr. Seuss Day, putting on skits or cooking up a classroom fiesta. 

She cared about connecting with her students, especially those who needed an extra boost. 

One of her scrapbook keepsakes is a typed note from a student reflecting on Joyce's dissection lessons: 

"Mrs. Banzet's class dissects squid; one squid for every two people. My partner happened to be one who enjoyed poking the eye, over and over. I just couldn't handle it. I left the science room halfway through the experiment, crying. Then the next year, when I was in fourth grade, Mrs. Banzet invited me to come and try the squid unit one more time. To my great delight, I succeeded in what I had set out to do. I discovered that I was actually talented at dissecting. My new partner and I found the heart, which is extremely difficult to find. Mrs. Banzet has always made me feel special." 

She loved her students, and they loved her back. 

"She wanted to help others and see them succeed," Gerry reflected. "She saw the situation some of those kids were in and wanted to help." 

After Joyce retired from teaching in 2001, she received a letter from longtime Flathead Valley educators Frank and Linda de Kort.  

"Thank you for all the joy you find in your work," the couple wrote to Joyce. "Thank you for guiding enthusiastically and nurturing gently. Thank you for inspiring so many others." 

Joyce pasted the letter on the last page of her scrapbook as one final emblem of a proud career. 

A celebration of Joyce's life is planned at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church on Church Drive in Kalispell on July 26 at 1 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Former students and coworkers are encouraged to attend.