Ruth S. Banks

Ruth Shiller Banks died on February 24th 2025. She was 92 years old and a long time resident of NJ, living for 29 years in Cranford, where she raised her family, 25 years in Monroe Township, and most recently in Marlboro.

Ruth grew up in Queens and Oceanside NY where she graduated from Oceanside High School in 1949. Ruth enrolled in the second class of the new Brandeis University, graduating in 1953 with a degree in Political Science. Shortly after graduation, Ruth married Sholom Alexander Banks; they were married for 70 years at his passing in 2023.

Ruth worked as a journalist for the local paper in Waltham MA. before becoming a full time mother in March of 1957. Ruth went back to work in the early 70’s writing grants for the Union County Department of Youth Services. While working she went back to school at night to earn her Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Rutgers University, and eventually became an adjunct professor at the school.

She was very active in the community, especially with the League of Women Voters. She worked for the League in Cranford and was named to the State Board, then in Houston where they lived for five years and in Middlesex County when they settled in Monroe, where she was the President of the League for 16 years.

Ruth is survived by her four children and life partners Michael (Robin) Banks of Seattle WA, Beth (Jules) Cohn of Manalapan, Jonathan (Judy) of Marlboro, and Matthew (Simone) of Madison WI. She also leaves behind her five loving grandchildren, Jeremy (Tara), Jess (Molly), David (Erica), Danny and Maya (James), and her beloved great grandson Asher.

Funeral Services will be held at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM. The service will be livestreamed on Zoom, to view the stream please follow this link

https://zoom.us/j/9227373780?pwd=oMQQC1wu8RFpMHn9pPAwM3HHp1kD0g.1&omn=98873391673

Shiva will be observed At Jonathan’s home Wednesday, Feb 26 after the funeral until 9, minyan at 7:30pm Thursday, February 27 11am-9pm, minyan at 7:30pm and Friday, Feb 28 until 4pm

Shiva will also be observed at Beth's home Saturday, March 1 7pm-10pm Sunday, March 2 11am-9pm, minyan at 7:30pm and Monday, March 3 11am-9pm, minyan at 7:30pm.

Memorial donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to the League of Women Voters and the Dementia Society of America.

Memorial donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to the League of Women Voters and the Dementia Society of America.