Paula Banks

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Paula lived a life marked by warmth, resilience, and a deep love for her family.

The world shines a little less brightly with the passing of Paula Banks, who died peacefully on August 19, 2026, after living with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Born in Salt Lake City on September 2, 1953, Paula lived a life marked by warmth, resilience, and a deep love for her family. A devoted Christian, her faith was an important part of who she was and could be seen in the kindness and compassion she showed others. Paula cared deeply about people and had a way of making those around her feel valued, whether through a thoughtful conversation, a listening ear, or simply being there when someone needed her.

Paula shared her life with her husband, Dan Banks, and together they built a life and family filled with years of memories, laughter, challenges, and love. As a mother to Angela McKee and Amanda Carman, Paula was fiercely loving and protective, a constant source of support and someone who was always willing to listen, even late into the night. She welcomed her sons-in-law, Travis McKee and Richard Carman, into her heart and loved them as family. She also loved Dan’s children as part of her family: Benjamin Banks, Ben Davis, and Brooke Banks. Although Paula knew Brooke for only a short time before Brooke’s passing, the love she had for her was no less meaningful. Paula adored her grandchildren, Amelia McKee, Ricky Carman, and Mika Carman, and treasured being part of their lives. Birthdays, school plays, camping trips, celebrations, and all the ordinary moments spent together became part of the family life she loved so much.

Paula was also a beloved sister to Earl and Randy Johnson, and the love they shared remained strong through the years, regardless of time or distance. She cherished the friendships she made throughout her life, especially her friendship with Ann Anthony, who preceded her in death. Their countless conversations, laughter, and shared confidences were a treasured part of Paula’s life. Paula was preceded in death by Brooke Banks, her dear friend Ann Anthony, and her parents, Earl and Mary Johnson, whose love and guidance helped shape the values she carried throughout her life.

Although Alzheimer’s changed so much during Paula’s final years, it could never erase who she was or the life she lived. Her family will remember her laughter, her stories, the warmth she brought into their lives, and the way she listened and made people feel cared for. Her absence leaves an enormous space in the lives of those who loved her, but so does the love she leaves behind. Paula will live on in the family she loved, the friendships she treasured, the stories that will continue to be told, and the countless memories that belong only to those who knew her.

She will be loved always, remembered forever, and missed beyond measure.