On September 15, 2025, the world lost a radiant light far too soon. Ella Banks was so many beautiful things to so many people — a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, teammate, and friend. She filled every space she entered with warmth, laughter, and a spirit that was both gentle and incredibly strong.
If you knew Ella, you knew her heart belonged to horses. From the time she was a little girl, she was captivated by them. She counted down the days until her next riding lesson and never missed an opportunity to be in the saddle. Watching someone so young and fearless alongside such a powerful animal was nothing short of inspiring. Horses weren’t just a hobby for Ella — they were her joy, her peace, and her passion.
As she grew, so did her love for riding. Summers at Marmon Valley Horse Camp became the highlight of her year. There, she spent long days working in the stalls, riding trails with her friends, and ending evenings with laughter and songs around the campfire. It was a place where she felt completely alive and completely herself — surrounded by horses, friendship, and the simple magic of summer.
Since her passing, her father and I have honored Ella by performing random acts of kindness on the 15th of each month — a small but meaningful way to carry forward her light and give back to a community that has loved and supported us so deeply. These acts have brought comfort to our hearts and kept her spirit moving outward into the world.
This summer, we hope to honor Ella in a way that feels especially close to her heart. We have established the Ella Banks Memorial Scholarship Fund with Marmon Valley Horse Camp, with the goal of sending two children to camp in her honor. It would mean more than we can express to know that another little boy or girl is experiencing the same joy, confidence, friendship, and unforgettable memories that meant so much to Ella.
Through this scholarship, her love for horses and her beautiful spirit will continue to ride on. Thank you for helping us keep her light shining.