Monday crash claims life of second driver

STERLING – A local teacher and mother of four has died as a result of a crash that occurred Monday night west of town.

Jennifer L. Banks, 39, of Sterling, died Wednesday evening of injuries suffered when her van was struck by a pickup truck driven by Daniel M. Miller, 28, also of Sterling.

“She always had the biggest smile,” said Greg Banks, 32, her husband of 6 years. “Anybody that encountered Jen has a story.”

Banks, who grew up in Morrison, recently taught at Washington Elementary School in Sterling, but had taken a year’s leave to work as a consultant with the Lee-Ogle-Whiteside Regional Office of Education, her husband said.

“She was a fantastic mom,” he said. “She cared for everybody.”

Miller was southbound on Science Ridge Road as it curves into McCue Road around 8 p.m. when his vehicle crossed the center line and collided with the Banks van. He was thrown from his pickup and died at the scene.

Banks was taken to CGH Medical Center, then Rockford Memorial, and then was flown to University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin, with undisclosed injuries.

Two girls in her van were treated at the scene.

Arrangements have not yet been completed; a memorial will be established, Banks said.

Miller's visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation in Sterling. His funeral begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sterling. A memorial has been established for his two children. Go to schillingfuneralhome.com for the complete obituary.