Dorothy Lee Banks

Dorothy "Dottie" Banks 66 of Park Hills, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at her residence. She was born December 2, 1944 in Bonne Terre to Leah May (Ramsey) Gibson and the late Clarence Leeman Gibson. Dottie devoted her entire life to protecting and serving others. She was a Psychiatric Social Worker at the State Hospital in Farmington, became the Social Service Supervisor in St. Francois County in Protective Services which encompassed Child Abuse and Neglect, then transferred to Jefferson City to become a Supervisor of Independent Living for the State of Missouri which was helping teenagers in foster homes transition into becoming independent adults. Upon retirement, Dottie moved back to the Leadbelt area and worked with the Upward Bound/Trio Program at Mineral Area College, encouraging teenagers to pursue their dreams through furthering their education. Dottie became a Lay Speaker at the Leadwood United Methodist Church and participated in the Walk to Emmaus. Serving her church was a very important part of her life.She was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny Banks; father, Clarence Leeman Gibson; son, Mark Banks; great grandson, John Wayne Ragsdale.Dottie is survived by her mother, Leah May Gibson; children, Barbara (Bob) Steel of Leadwood, Laura (Will Cartrell) Ragsdale of Park Hills, and Lisa (Wray Busby) Helm of Liberty; honorary daughter, Becky Moyers; grandchildren, Adam, Melanie, Ryan and Kara Steel, Jarred and Jason Ragsdale, Justin Whaley, Tyler and Garrett Helm, Brooke, Dakota and Kaydence Banks.Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The service will be held at the C.Z. Boyer and Son Chapel Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Leadwood Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Upward Bound/Trio Program at Mineral Area College.