Coach Nick Saban’s mother passes away at 92
FILE – Alabama head coach Nick Saban speaks during NCAA college football Southeastern Conference Media Days Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The mother of legendary Alabama football coach Nick Saban has died at the age of 92.
Ruth Mary Saban Pasko was born on July 29, 1932 in Michigan, but spent most of her life in the small town of Farmington, West Virginia, according to her obituary. She was a high school cheerleader and a majorette at Farmington High School where she met and married Nick Saban, a baseball standout who later helped to start Pop Warner football in the area.
The couple owned and ran Saban Gulf Service Station and the adjacent restaurant and Dairy King. Mrs. Saban supported the Pop Warner Black Diamond Football team, working concessions and decorating the bus which Mr. Saban drove to pick up the boys from all the small inaccessible areas in the hills of West Virginia while both of their children participated – Dene a cheerleader, and Nick Jr. “Brother” as the quarterback.
Mrs. Saban was a skilled seamstress, making many of her grandchildren’s clothes as well as her wedding gown. She was employed by CB&T Bank in Fairmont for many years.
Mr. Saban died in 1973. After being widowed, Mrs. Saban worked for the West Virginia Secretary of State Department for over 20 years.
Later in life she married Bobby Pasko after rekindling a friendship at a high school reunion. They both enjoyed golf, dancing, and following football. After he passed away, Mrs. Saban moved to Birmingham and lived at Danberry Retirement Community.
She is survived by her children, Dene (Leroy) Thompson and Nick (Terry) Saban; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Also, surviving sisters Fran (Sid) Popovich and Ginger Hill.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to Nick’s Kids Foundation at nickskidsfoundation.org or by mail at 1130 University Blvd. Ste. B9-201, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Arrangements by Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory.
