Barbara Elaine Hanks, 82, of Carthage, Illinois, passed away at 4:06 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

 

Barb was born August 21, 1943 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the daughter of Vilas L. and Doris Jean (Pence) Scanlan. On December 27, 1986 she married Herman Hanks at the Burnside Christian Church in Burnside, Illinois. 

 

Barb was a 1961 graduate of Nauvoo-Colusa High School. Following high school, she was employed as secretary at Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois, before a 28 year secretarial career at the Dallas City Elementary and later the Dallas City High School. Lastly, she was employed in Human Resources at Methode in Carthage until her retirement in 2009. 

 

Mrs. Hanks enjoyed tending to her flowers, bird watching and especially the time spent with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Burnside Christian Church. 

 

She is survived by her husband, Herman, of Carthage; one son: Benjamin (Jennifer) Boyer of Burlington, Iowa, three step-sons: Michael (Cynthia) Hanks of Carthage, Charles (Kristie) Hanks of Cairo, Georgia and Frank Hanks of Carthage; ten grandchildren: Mitchell (Aleetha) Hanks, Brandon Hanks, Allison (Avery) Jacobs, Benjamin (Emma) Hanks, Austin Hanks, Brent Boyer, Avrey (Griffin Humphreys) Boyer, Christella Boyer, Maisson Boyer and Aubree Hanks; three great-grandchildren; one brother: Eugene (Mary Jo) Scanlan of Burnside; one sister: Janice Scanlan of Carthage and several nieces and nephews. 

 

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son: Brent Boyer. 

 

Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Dallas City is assisting the family. 

 

The funeral service for Barb will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Pastor Mark Nichols officiating. Burial will follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. 

 

The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until time of services Friday at the funeral home. 

 

A memorial fund has been established for the Burnside Christian Church. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Barb’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.