GREAT BEND — Betty L. Banks, 91, died December 25, 2020, at Great Bend. She was born March 27, 1929, in Great Bend, Kansas to Kenneth and Agnus (Flory) Clawson. She married Wayne “Buzz” Banks at the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend on May 22, 1955. She worked more than 30 years for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, as first an operator then a business representative, and 23 years at the American Legion. 

Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Great Bend, past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, past president of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, Elks Ladies, Cougar Booster Club and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. Betty and Wayne were founding members of the Sunflower Polka Club and taught dance lessons from their home. In addition to her love of dance, Betty was an avid bowler, winning the class C KWBA all events state championship on 1973 and enjoyed playing bingo. Betty had the distinction of being voted the second most perfect baby at the 1929 Barton County Fair. 

Betty is preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Clawson; her mother, Agnus Merrington; and brother, Floyd Clawson. Betty is survived by her husband, Wayne “Buzz” Banks, of the home; a son, Jerry Banks Jasnoski of Wichita; a son, James Banks Jasnoski and wife Trisha of Wichita; a daughter, Mary Banks Jasnoski Greggerson and husband Chris of Leavenworth; and son, David Banks and wife Peggy of Wichita; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held from 1 to 9 p.m., Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, January 4, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, with Reverend Morita Truman presiding. Masks and social distancing are required. Please enter the church at the North door. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to the First United Methodist Church or the Banks Scholarship Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. 

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 3, 2021