Banks: Audrey Lucille, Aug. 27, 1935 – Jan.12, 2020

Audrey Lucille was born in Coronation, Alberta August 27, 1935, the fourth child of eight to Job and Doris Edwards. Job or “Alfred” or “Red” was a station agent for the CPR and thus the family lived in several small communities during Audrey’s childhood: Lacombe, Coronation, Monitor, and Tees to name a few. Mom talked about not having any problem sleeping with trains clattering past only a few feet away. Free rides were the ticket to allow her and Aunt Donna to jump the train for weekend visits to see Aunt Edith who had recently got married.

Audrey graduated from Nursing School in Calgary with her RNA at the age of 21. Following that she worked for a year at Rimbey and then ventured to Eston, Saskatchewan where she attended Full Gospel Bible Institute for the next year. The last day of Bible School in 1958 she was contracted to do home care for the Ness family in New Brigden. Unfortunately, her job was short lived as her charge decided to slip the bonds of this earth on her very first day. So… jobless she headed back home to Veteran to regroup. The only ad posted for a Nursing Aide was located in Oyen, Alberta. She promptly applied and was accepted for a position at the Oyen Hospital.

In Oyen she met Albert Banks while attending the Pentecostal Church and they were married in Veteran on June 20, 1959. Three children blessed the Banks home, Darrell, Alice, and Shirley, and Audrey transitioned to full time Mom.

Her desire to care for others kept her kitchen humming and a continuous stream of baking and other goodies made their way to seniors, camps, church functions, and most likely a host of other locations we weren’t even aware of. And we can’t forget to mention the many ribbons won at the Oyen fair. Sewing, embroidery, and crocheting served to supply many others with handmade gifts. Family Camp at Veteran and James River were a favourite, and always on the calendar. Mom was rarely competitive except when it came to Scrabble. She was a Master. She loved to sing specials in church and Dad played the piano.

Audrey was predeceased by her husband, Albert; parents Job and Doris; brothers Gerald, Leonard and Kenneth; and sister Donna.

She is survived by her son Darrell (Carolyn) Banks of Three Hills; daughters Alice Banks of Abbotsford, and Shirley (Marcel) Holland of Oyen; grandchildren Jordan, Brittany, David, Ashley, Ryland, Jonathan, Cassidy, Elizabeth, Avalon, Alana, and Stacie; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Edith and Lois; and brother Ron.

Funeral Service was held January 18, at the Oyen Evangelical Missionary Church in Oyen, Alberta. Officiating Clergy was Pastor Brad Broadhead. Mary-Lou Evans was the organist and special music was provided by Darrell Banks, Brittany Swanson, and Ashley Mantle. A tribute was given by Ron Edwards.

Pallbearers were Darrell Banks, David Banks, Jonathan Banks, Ryland Banks, Joe Olafson, and Ron Edwards. Honorary Pallbearers were all of Audrey’s many family and friends who cared and shared in her life.

Memorial tributes may be directed to the Oyen Evangelical Missionary Church, 516 Main Street, Oyen, Alberta, T0J 2J0; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Missionary Church Congregation in the Church.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.