Ernie Banks' estranged wife says he had dementia in will challenge

CHICAGO -- A court filing by the estranged wife of Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks contends the Hall of Famer was diagnosed with dementia days before he signed a will benefiting his caretaker.

Banks was in a protracted divorce proceeding with fourth wife Elizabeth Banks when he died in January at age 83. She is challenging a will that gives his assets to caretaker Regina Rice.

In March, Cook County Judge James Riley confirmed the will after two law clerks testified they observed it being signed.

The Chicago Tribune reports the petition, made public Monday, says Ernie Banks' health had turned for the worse in October when he was injured in a fall. The filing says that after he was treated, Rice took him to live with her at her Plainfield home.