Dispute Over Ernie Banks’ Remains

The cherished Chicago Cubs great, Ernie Banks, who once said he wanted to have his ashes scattered at Wrigley Field, is at the center of a battle over his remains as his estranged wife has gone to court to prevent a longtime friend from having his remains cremated. 

According to court records, Elizabeth Banks filed a petition to prevent a woman who describes herself as a longtime friend of Ernie Banks, his caretaker and the executor of Banks’ estate from having him cremated.  The woman, Regina Rice, asserted her right to dispose of Banks’ remains after his death last month. 

A document titled “Last Will and Testament” and signed by Ernie Banks on October 17 of last year says he was in “the process of finalizing divorce” from his wife and that he had appointed Rice as the executor of his will.  Nowhere does Banks discuss what he wants done with his remains.

See Don Babwin and Andrew Seligman, Court Fight Arises Over What to Do With Remains of ‘Mr. Cub’ Ernie Banks, Daily Reporter, Feb. 13, 2015.