Lois E Banks

Lexington-

Lois E. Banks, 91, of Lexington, New York, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, in Lexington, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived.  Born on May 28, 1934, in Lexington, Lois was the daughter of Kenneth and Ada Jones Jenkins. She was born in the homestead in Lexington, NY, and her childhood was shaped by life on the farm, where she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and family devotion that would guide her throughout her life. She attended Lexington School in grades 1 through 6 and later graduated from Tannersville High School in 1951.

Lois cherished the simple joys of her youth, especially riding bikes with her best friend Jeanette Becker to Prattsville, attending baseball games on Sundays, and spending time with “the girls.” She was active in Youth Fellowship, enjoyed ice skating on the creek, and participated in 4H under the guidance of Mrs. Leona Decker. These early years remained close to her heart and helped shape the warm, steady spirit for which she was known.

As a young woman, Lois worked at Mrs. Knoth’s Boarding House in Lexington, where after lunch was served, the group would often go swimming in the Schoharie Creek. She later took the Civil Service Exam, which led her to Albany, where she worked for the State Department of Labor as a typist. On May 1, 1954, she married Richard Banks, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, family, and shared memories. Their honeymoon in Michigan introduced her to Kathleen Sobie, wife of Andy, and the two families formed a lasting bond of friendship and fun that became like a second family to Lois.

After returning to the mountains, Lois began a long and dedicated banking career in Windham, later concluding her professional life with retirement from NBT Bank in Grand Gorge. She was respected for her reliability, kindness, and strong work ethic, and she carried those same qualities into every part of her life. Lois was a family matriarch in every sense, offering guidance, comfort, and a steady presence to those who loved her.

Lois enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, taking Sunday drives, and visiting the Adirondack Mountains. She loved reading, word searches, recipe books, and cooking for her family. Known affectionately as “Granny Goodspoon,” she hosted holidays and created a welcoming home filled with good food, laughter, and tradition. She was always surrounded by cats and dogs, loved lighthouses and owls, and found joy in the everyday moments that made life meaningful. She was also a former member of the Lexington Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and remained proud of her community ties throughout her life.

Lois was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Ada Jones Jenkins; her husband, Richard Banks, who died in 2018; her grandson Richard Dippold; and a brother Leo Jenkins. She is survived by her daughters, Maureen Farrell and her husband Martin, Sylvia Banks, and Jennifer Hamilton; her grandchildren, Gregory, Jeremiah, Jonathan, and Jacob; her great-grandchildren, Neveah, Keegan, Zachary, Carly, Matthew, Lilliana, and Madison; and her sisters, Ruth Cross and Janice Maben and several nieces and nephews also survive.. Her family was the center of her world, and her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched with her love, humor, and steadfast devotion.

Lois E. Banks will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, great grandmother and grandmother, cherished sister, and treasured friend. Her life was one of hard work, deep faith in family, and quiet generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, and kindness that will continue to be felt for generations to come.

A Service to Celebrate the Life of Lois will be held on Tuesday May 12th at the Lexington United Methodist Church at 11am.  Friends will be received at the church prior to the service from 10am to 11am.  Burial will be in the family plot at the Lexington Cemetery.  You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence with the family on Lois' Tribute Page at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com  Arrangements under the direction of the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia.

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