The funeral home responsible for Ernie Banks’ funeral is in a legal dispute with Banks’ family over an paid amount of money for the funeral services. Apparently neither the Chicago Cubs or the Banks family picked up the tabbed for Mr. Cubs’ funeral.
The funeral home that handled services for Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks has jumped into the legal battle over the estate of the Hall of Famer with a claim for more than $35,000 it says it has not been paid.
The claim by Donnellan Family Funeral Services was filed Wednesday. It comes amid a legal challenge by Banks’ widow, Elizabeth Banks, of a will Banks signed in October – without her knowledge, she contends – that leaves all his assets to longtime caregiver Regina Rice and nothing to her or Banks’ children.
In its claim, Donnellan asks to be paid $3,995 for legal fees it incurred ”due to dispute over disposition of remains of deceased.”
The court file includes a bill dated Feb. 6 — the day Banks was buried — that the funeral home sent to Elizabeth Banks. Among other expenses, the funeral home said the casket cost nearly $11,000, flowers cost $6,755, car services amounted to more than $3,000 and there were some $2,700 in staff fees.
This is just sad. It’s a shame that the team or the family hasn’t settled up with the funeral home for the services. As great of a player Banks was, you would think the tab for the funeral would have been picked up no questions asked.