Betty Ruth (Smith) Banks

Betty Ruth (Smith) Banks was called home by the angels on February 3, 2024, in Birmingham, Al. Betty was a true southern belle, the epitome of grace and elegance during her lifetime and cherished her family above all else. She was born in Chilton County, Alabama to Pate Smith and Elda Rader Boyer Smith on February 1, 1936, ninth in line out of eleven children in a close-knit family. Betty met and went on to marry her first husband, Warner Bucklin in 1954. The two had three children together and Betty was a stay-at-home mom and a full-time housewife until she started taking college courses part time. When Betty was just a girl, she learned to play the piano and autoharp by ear. She became a beautiful player. Her, Warner and her sister Janette formed a gospel group called the Shilo Trio. Betty was such an excellent player that while auditioning for a spot on the Country Boy Eddy Radio Show on WBRC, Country Boy Eddie himself asked Betty to play for him. She declined the offer, stating she had a husband and young children at home. Due to her hard work and dedication Betty eventually became a certified special education teacher. She was an incredibly smart woman and continued her education even after receiving her certification, being just shy of her master’s degree. Betty married her best friend, Donald Banks in Massachusetts in 1979. While married to Don she discovered her love for travel. Through Don’s job, together they traveled the world. In her adulthood, Betty also discovered her love for genealogy and history. In her spare time, she and her daughter would often travel to cemeteries, libraries and courthouses uncovering the family background and stories. Betty is proceeded in death by her husband of 39 years: Donald Banks; Daughter-in-Law: Janet Bucklin; and all of her ten brothers and sisters. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Bruce Bucklin of Texas, Barry Bucklin (Bob Ault) of Ohio and Lisa Bucklin (Brian Gary) of Alabama; her grandchildren John, Matt, James, Emily, Ben, Lillian, Sam, Lindsey, Ian, and Collin; her six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Bolton Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11AM. She will be laid to rest at Pinelawn Gardens. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The ARC of Central Alabama. Please sign online condolences at www.boltonfuneralhome.com.

Betty Ruth (Smith) Banks

February 1, 1936 - February 3, 2024