Ruth Emily Banks

Ruth Emily (Lynch) Banks passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, surrounded by family.  She was 77.  Ruth was born on October 29, 1947, in Ottawa, IL to John and Louise (Hillman) Lynch.  Following High School, she joined the United States Air Force and eventually the Air National Guard.  She moved to Tulsa in the early 70’s where she raised her children.

She was a constant.  No matter the circumstances she was always there for her children, grandchildren and friends. She met her best friend Jean shortly after moving to Tulsa. They were rock solid friends raising their children and navigating life.   Ruth had a great love for family.  She was grandma, or grand mama, and enjoyed helping her grandsons create mischief. She loved the Fourth of July and the ensuing Roman candle wars where she would stand behind the safety line and shoot Roman candles at the boys as they ran by, making sure they all knew that you don’t shoot the grandma and that the rules didn’t apply to her. She gave us everything she had and we couldn’t have asked for a better mom, grandma or friend. We will miss her so very much.

Ruth is survived by her children, Sara and husband John, Jennifer, Paula, Scott and wife Denise, and Trad; 2 sisters, Mary and Ellen; 3 brothers, David, Ian and Paul; 7 grandchildren, Jay and wife Sarah, Matthew and wife Kelly, Jeremy, Tommy and wife Hayley, Briar and wife Patience, Daniel and Teagan; 8 great grandchildren, Madelyn, Colt, Kyah, Rance, Ryn, Dax, Kendall and Jaycie; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.  Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, John and Louise Lynch.