Deaconess Ruth Banks, 93, of Bowling Green, Va., went to be with the Lord on September 25, 2009, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Va. She was born May 13, 1916, to the late Garfield and Cora Hicks Johnson in Blacksburg, Virginia. She was one of eight siblings, all of whom preceded her in death.

On June 15, 1941, Ruth was united in holy matrimony to the late Raymond James Banks, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loyal and devoted daughter Ruth Wells and her husband Leroy of Washington, D.C.; her loving sons, Raymond Banks, Jr. and his wife Frances of Richmond, VA, Michael Banks and his wife Carolyn of South Orange, New Jersey, and Joseph Banks and his wife Iris of Richmond, VA.; nine grandchildren, Ivan Banks, Sonya Ashby, Kevin Banks, Kenneth Banks, Lamar Banks, Tasha Wells, Niretta Banks, Michael Banks, and Albert Banks; fifteen great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; one brother-in-law; two sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by one great grandchild.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 2, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at C. W. Edwards Funeral Home. A christian wake will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, 127 S. Main Street, Bowling Green, Virginia, from 7 to 8 p.m.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, at Shiloh Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. S. W. Kendell, Pastor delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wrightsville Road, Milford, Virginia.