The Chicago Cubs handled what could have added to the ongoing court battle over Ernie Banks’ estate.
Donnellan Funeral Home filed a claim in court last Wednesday for reportedly more than $35,000 to cover the expenses the funeral home incurred for Ernie Banks’ funeral. The Sun-Times first learned that the Ricketts family and the team stepped up to pay Mr. Banks’ funeral expenses.
Julian Green said last week, “We learned of the story through the news media, saw that the funeral home had filed a claim. We weren’t aware that the bill had not been handled. After that, we immediately called the funeral home and told them we would take care of it on Monday.”
According to the Sun-Times, Mr. Banks’ casket “cost nearly $11,000, flowers cost $6,755, car services amounted to more than $3,000 and there were about $2,700 in staff fees.” The claim filed by Donnellan, according to the Tribune, also asked for $3,995 “for legal fees it incurred due to dispute over disposition of remains of deceased.”
Mr. Banks’ family is challenging a will it’s believed he signed last October that gave Regina Rice control of his estate. When Mr. Banks passed away, Ms. Rice claimed that he had assets worth $16,000. According to the Sun-Times, and other reports, “a probate judge gave Ms. Rice 30 days to provide a full accounting of the estate.”
The Cubs have numerous tributes planned to honor Ernie Banks throughout the season.
Other than the No. 14 patches on home and away jerseys, the team wore No. 14 hats on Opening Day in the Cactus League and have No. 14 flags and as well as ‘14’ cut on the field at Sloan Park. The players have also worn t-shirts during practice in honor of Mr. Banks.
The video tribute to Mr. Cub that was shown at Sloan Park was well done and the Cubs are expected to play another tribute video to Mr. Banks on the left field video board on Opening Night at Wrigley Field.