Barbara Banks

Barbara Banks, 95, entered heaven’s glory singing and praising God for his Amazing Grace, Tuesday morning, December 30. She was born June 20, 1929, and was born again by the Spirit of God on June 30, 1942.

Barbara married the love of her life, James Banks, on April 8, 1951, and together they raised a family of six children.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Becky Banks and Penny (Dennis) Sokol, both of Findlay, Deb (Dale) Purkey and Betty (Trigg) Peterson, both of Mesa, AZ, and a son, John Banks of McComb. She had two grandchildren, Hannah (Hall) Sokol and Isaac Sokol, both of Findlay, and one very special great-grandson, Drake Hall of Bryan, OH.

She was preceded in death by her spouse of 61 years, James Banks; and a son, Scott Banks.

Barbara was gifted with many God-given talents. She loved to sew, spending much time at her sewing machine clothing her family. She loved to cook and bake. Barbara was known for her pies and decorated cakes. She decorated three of her children’s wedding cakes. She was very creative using her artistic ability to paint her windows with Christmas scenes, crocheting, embroidering and writing skits for church events.

Barbara was not fond of reading but give her a “How to Do It” book and she could fix most anything. She engineered the building of a porch and deck. To her children she was Betty Crocker, Suzy Homemaker, and Bob the Builder, all rolled into one person. Barbara had a bad case of wanderlust and was always ready to plan a trip with her family, visiting many friends and family out of state. She loved to visit historical places. She loved her computer, taking on the challenge of technology late in life. If you ever spoke with Barbara, she always had a story to tell.

Barbara loved music and played the piano and sang both at home and in church. She had a lovely voice and sang well into her 90’s. Many times, something would trigger her and her hubby to break out in song. She taught her children a love for music and encouraged them to express praise to God with their musical talents.

Barbara worked at GE and the State Hospital in Tiffin before she was married but spent most of her life raising her family. Her empty nest led her to be the church secretary for 25 years at First Baptist Church in Findlay. She also assisted her husband in the church’s janitorial ministry.

Serving her Lord Jesus was very important to Barbara. She was very active in her church where she taught Sunday school, led the ladies WMF group assisted her husband in the county home ministry, sang in the choir, did solo work, played the piano, worked in the nursery and served wherever she was needed. Barbara would want you to know her Savior Jesus Christ, and to trust him as your own personal Savior.

Today she is rejoicing in the presence of her Savior.

Barbara’s celebration of life will be at 12 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with visitation one hour prior to the service at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, (419-422-1500). Pastor Mike Maskill will officiate the service. Interment will be private in Knollcrest Cemtery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Birchaven for their wonderful care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to First Baptist Church, 1635 Fostoria Ave., Findlay, Ohio 45840.

First Baptist Church
1635 Fostoria Ave. #6252, Findlay OH 45840