After battling multiple myeloma and renal failure for almost 7 years, and spending the last 8 months at Dove West Healthcare facility in Eau Claire, Arloa Ann Bannister, age 88, passed away at 2 a.m. Monday morning, February 9, 2026, at Mayo Clinic hospital in Eau Claire.

Arloa was born to Margaret Ruth and William Reichert on July 31, 1937. Her early years were spent helping her father and mother on the farm outside Hillsdale. She graduated from Barron High School and continued to help on the farm after marrying army veteran, Alfred Eugene Bannister. Her son, Brian was born on November 25, 1957. Brian's father, Alfred, passed away in May, 1998.

Arloa married Russell Walters at the Hillsdale Gospel Tabernacle on August 7, 1999, and gained 6 stepchildren: stepson, Russell (Carolyn) Walters, Jr.; grandchildren, Russell Walters III, Ronald Walters and Roger Walters; stepdaughter, Sharon (Bruce) Rowell; grandsons, Scott Rowell, Brett Rowell and Christoper (Michelle) Rowell; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Rowell, Clara Rowell and Andrew Rowell; stepson, Tim (Bonnie) Walters; granddaughter, Jennifer (Steve) Braun, great-grandsons, Kevin Braun and Jason Braun; grandson, Eric (Becky) Walters, great- granddaughter, Eliza Walters; stepson, Randy Walters; grandson, Ryan Walters; granddaughter, Shelby (Jackson) Deveraux and great-grandson, Wesley Deveraux; stepson, Ricky (Andrea) Walters; grandson, Jesse Walters; granddaughters, Emma (Evan) Croft and Michaela (Scott) Weggen; great-grandchildren, Shalonda (Lane) Buch, Joseph Weggen, and Myisha (Tyler) Nicholson (Tyler); stepson, Ronald (Susan) Walters; grandchildren, Michael Walters, Marques Walters, Matthew (Saddie) Walters, Molly (Isaac) Gorrell, Maxwell (Rhea) Walters and Meagan. Brian Bannister married Sharon Pratt on March 27, 2004 and garnered grandson, Adam Aerni and great-grandchildren, Owen Aerni, Orianna Aerni and Violet Campbell.

Arloa worked as a waitress at the North Star truck stop in Rice Lake. She was employed at the Coast to Coast hardware store in Barron and had a keen eye for color. She enjoyed baking and cake decorating in her trailer home on Mill Street in Barron.

Arloa was a gifted musician and formed a country band called Arsenic and Old Lace with her sister, Cheryl. She played the upright bass at Pleasant Plain Gospel Church in Cameron and the electric bass guitar in the Canaan Country Gospel Band. Arloa sang on the radio with Bill Mitchell and his group in Cameron. Lastly, she sang at the Barnabas Coffee House with Brian's wife, Sharon, and great grandson, Owen Aerni. The Nashville North Studio in Chippewa Falls produced three CD's for her entitled: Ten for Jesus, More From Arloa and Golden Oldies, which are available in digital media.

She is survived by brother, Marlyn Reichert and sister, Cheryl Dalke; as well as, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Arloa is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Helen McBeth and brothers, Harley Reichert, Peter Elton Reichert and Larry Reichert.

A funeral service for Arloa will be held on Monday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron. Visitation will be from 10:30 until the time of service at the funeral home. She will be interned beside her husband, Alfred Bannister, in Wayside Cemetery in Barron.

Last Update: Feb 13, 2026 8:10 am CST