ELLINWOOD — Ruth E. Banks, 96, died March 22 at the Ellinwood District Hospital. Born Dec. 18, 1914 in Ellinwood, she was the daughter of Frank Tullis and Beary Mustain Tullis Waddle. A lifetime resident of Ellinwood, she was a retired telephone operator and homemaker. On Aug. 8, 1937 she married Harry French. On March 5, 1948 she married C.W. Schnurr. On May 26, 1972 she married W.F. (Bill) Banks. All preceded her in death.

Mrs. Banks was a member of the United Methodist Church and Eastern Star, both of Ellinwood.

Survivors include a two sons, Roger French of Frisco, Texas and Vernon Schnurr of Ellinwood; a daughter, Verna Schnurr Ploutz of Hutchinson; a sister, June Fosdick of Iola; three step-children, Pat Sharp of Garvettsville, Ohio, Sally Marrva and Larry Banks, both of Garland, Texas; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Ellinwood officiated by the Rev. John Schmitt. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood District Hospital-ISB or to the Great Bend Humane Society.