Mary Virginia Banning Bingle of Lompoc and resident of Vandenberg Village, CA died June 23, 2010 at Serenity House, Santa Barbara, CA after a wonderful and rewarding life journey.

Mary was born on May 3, 1931 in Columbus, GA, the only child of Merrill Banning and Angelina Danzero Banning and spent her youth in Springfield, MO. Mary graduated from St. Agnes High School in 1950 and worked for Henderson Insurance. In 1952, she was married to Richard H. Bingle, a non-commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, beginning her first career as a wife, mother and homemaker. For 20 years, Mary and Richard raised their family of eight children while embracing the military life style and Air Force community. During this time, Mary was active in local parishes, the Christian Family Movement, and Air Force family support groups. In 1973 her husband died. Mary began a new phase in her life returning with her children to the Lompoc area.

From 1974 – 1991 Mary held various positions within the local education system including administrative positions at Vandenberg Junior and Cabrillo Senior High Schools. Her work with the local schools, culminated with executive assistant positions for superintendents of both the Lompoc and Santa Barbara Unified School Districts. During this time, Mary raised her children and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with highest honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She was a member of the American Association of University Women.
After retiring from the California School System, Mary decided to vacation in Hawaii, returning eight years later. Hawaiian culture profoundly influenced Mary's outlook, enhancing her infectious joy for life. During these years, Mary again served in the local school system as the Field Operations Assistant for the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

Mary returned to Vandenberg Village in 1998 devoting her time to traveling extensively and visiting with family and friends. While at home, Mary volunteered her energy, positive outlook, and joy to local organizations including the Lompoc Library System, California School Employees Association and the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

Mary is survived by eight children: Janice Bingle, MD of Lawrence, KS; Richard Bingle of Thousand Oaks, CA; Col. Bruce (YuLin) Bingle (USAF, ret) of Alexandria, VA; Mark (Glenda) Bingle of Pisgah Forest, NC; Michael (Ruth) Bingle of Seattle, WA; John (Erin) Bingle of Medina, OH; Anne (Mike) Severo of West Roxbury, MA; and Therese (Ryan) Higgins of York, ME. She is also survived by first cousin, Nancy Dornan of Springfield, MO; 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Mary's mother, father and husband preceded her in death.

Join the family for a meditative service at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary of Lompoc on Thursday July 1, 2010 any time between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Bingle children and their families will host a "Celebration of Life" party and barbeque at River Park, Lompoc, on Saturday July 3, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mary will rejoin her husband for final internment in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on December 27, 2010.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Santa Barbara Cancer Center, 300 West Pueblo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, 222 E. Canon Perdido, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or a charity of your choice that memorializes Mary's life.