Laura Lou Banks

Laura Lou Banks was called home on the afternoon of April 19, 2024.  

She was born October 19, 1934, the fourth child and only girl, to Melvin and Alice Herling (deceased). 

She is survived by her daughter, Lauri Banks and her grandchildren, Kelli, Brandi, Willie, Brian, Don, Adam, Curtis, and Katie and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Robert “Bob” Banks; her brothers, Robert, William, and Theodore Herling; her eldest daughter, Christina Meni; her sons, Donald and David Ayers; and her granddaughter, Mary Ayers.

Laura Lou was born and spent her early years in Minnesota until her family moved to Ridgecrest, CA for the dry climate.  She graduated from Burroughs High School and worked for the United States Navy from an early age.  Thanks to being a Navy wife she was able to experience life in Seattle, WA, and a few locations on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii before the Navy sent them home to Ridgecrest.  She ended her long career as a Security Specialist with the Department of the Navy in Arlington, VA, and retired to beautiful Nelson County, VA.   Mom was baptized while a member of Sonlife Community Church.  For the last few years of her life, she was a member of Living Word Christian Fellowship. 

A memorial service will be held on May 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Living Word Christian Fellowship, located at 5150 Lowesville Road, Arrington, VA 22922.  For those who live a long distance or are otherwise unable to attend in person but would like to celebrate Laura Lou’s life, the service will be streamed via the Living Word YouTube page. 

RIP Mom, you are missed.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).