Gail Merlene Banks

Gail M. Banks, age 85 of Lake Park, Georgia passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on April 1, 1937, in Great Falls, Montana to Merle Powell and Bertha Eller Powell. She was loved and respected as the matriarch of the Banks family, being a wonderful wife, mother, and Grammy.
She effortlessly took on the role of a devoted wife to her husband, Joe, and mother to their five daughters. She was known by family and friends for her quick wit and infectious laugh. She was a self-taught, talented painter who completed over 85 incredible paintings. Gail and Joe loved to travel the world, exploring all 50 states in the U.S. and countless countries. She really enjoyed cruises and never turned down a trip to Biloxi, MS, where she could always find the winning slot machine. Her daughter once asked if she had any regrets and Gail assuredly said that looking back on her life, she wouldn’t change a thing.
Gail was preceded in death by her daughters, Cindy Banks O’Dai, Polly Banks Ruehl, and Jill Banks. Her family feels peace knowing that there was certainly a divine reunion filled with laughter, joy, and reminiscing on the good ol’ days with her daughters and good friends, Millie and Kate.
Survivors include her loving husband of 66 years, Joe Henry Banks of Lake Park, Georgia; daughter, Wendy Banks Carter of Lake Park, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Sally and David Richman of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren, Josh Bass (Emily), Justin Bass (Lexy), Cooper Richman, Evan Gail Carter, Buck Carter, Zoe Ruehl, Lynn Raby, Larry Raby, Caitlyn O’Dai, and Erin O’Dai; many great-grandchildren, and son-in-law, J.R. Ruehl.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 5, 2023, in the Valdosta Chapel of Music Funeral Services. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM on the day of the service. Donations may be made to U.S. Renal Care (506 N Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31601) and/or Federation for the Blind. Sweet words and kind messages may be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservcies.com . The Banks Family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services, Valdosta.