Anita Ortiz Banda

Annie was born and raised in San Antonio on October 18, 1936, to Domingo Ortiz and Candelaria Soto Ortiz, proud immigrants from Mexico. As a first-generation American, she carried a deep appreciation for the opportunities this country provided while maintaining a strong connection to her Mexican heritage.

She was the second youngest of seven children and grew up on the West Side of San Antonio, where family, faith, and hard work were a way of life. From an early age, Annie understood the value of perseverance, helping her family by taking on small jobs and learning to sew alongside her mother. These early experiences shaped her resilience and instilled in her a lifelong work ethic.

Annie attended Sacred Heart Catholic School before graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in 1957. While in high school, she continued to develop her sewing skills in home economics, and was a proud member of the Blue Jacket dance team. Academically, she had a deep love for history, which helped shape her lifelong sense of patriotism. She never took for granted the freedoms and opportunities she had and carried a deep pride in being an American throughout her life.

It was in her junior year that Annie met a star football player who would change her life forever. After he invited her to a school bonfire, their story began—one that would grow into a loving and respectful relationship lasting nearly 70 years. Like something out of a classic love story, the quiet girl from the dance team and the outgoing football player found in each other a lifelong partner. While dating Charles, she became active in social clubs, attending dances and community gatherings that were a hallmark of the era. During this same time, Annie’s strong work ethic continued as she took on part-time jobs, including modeling in fashion shows at Joske's Department Store, where she showcased the latest styles in the well-known Camellia Room. She also worked at the iconic The Malt House, a popular gathering place known for its carhop service and lively atmosphere.—a place where so many memories were made during those formative years.

Following her graduation in 1957, Annie married the love of her life, Charles Vincent Banda at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the same church she attended as a child. It was a meaningful beginning to a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, love, and devotion. Soon after, Charles enlisted in the United States Army, and Annie proudly supported him while raising their growing family and working full-time.

Together, they were blessed with five children, who became the center of her world. Annie devoted her life to her family while also building a 35-plus-year career as a civil service employee at Kelly Air Force Base. In a time when opportunities for women were limited, she demonstrated that women could both raise a family and build a successful career. She instilled in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the belief that they could achieve anything through hard work, education, determination, and faith.

As her children grew, Annie remained their biggest supporter and advocate. She spent countless hours on baseball fields, football fields, basketball courts, and more—ensuring her children had every opportunity to participate and succeed. She was their constant cheerleader, always present and always encouraging. Many of the friendships she formed during those years remained with her throughout her life. Through her family’s love of sports, Annie became a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs. She carried that passion with her throughout her life, always looking forward to watching her teams play, even in her later years.

After more than three decades working at Kelly Air Force Base, Annie retired and entered a new chapter alongside her husband. With their children grown, they embraced the opportunity to travel and enjoy life together. They made many cherished trips throughout the United States, visiting California, Arizona, New Mexico, Las Vegas, Colorado, Florida and frequently traveled to Mexico to visit extended family. For Annie, these moments were about more than travel—they were about creating memories with the people she loved most.

In her later years, Annie found her greatest joy in being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She remained deeply involved in their lives, helping raise them and instilling the same values of love, strength, and faith that defined her life. Her home was a place of warmth, guidance, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Vincent Banda; her brothers, Luis Ortiz and Rudy S. Ortiz; and her sisters, Gloria Leos, Delia Ortiz, and Bertha Alatorre.

She is survived by her children, Charles Banda Jr. (David Hirl), Audrey Banda-Vazquez, Julius Banda, Laura Banda-Laughlin (Roger), and Marlow Banda (Theresa); along with her cherished grandchildren, Megan Banda-Sutton (Michael), Antonio Banda (Ashleigh), Raven Banda Marcks (Tom), Dylan, Hunter, and Diego Banda, and Jason & Jonathan Laughlin; great-grandchildren, Ameliana Banda Bender, Sebastian Banda Sutton, Aubriella, Aycen, and Avenna Banda, and Camille, Emery and Bryce Laughlin; siblings, Mary DeLeon and Lorenzo S. Ortiz (Norma), along with numerous nieces, nephews who will continue to honor her memory.

Annie was the foundation of her family—a woman of strength, faith, and unconditional love. She showed us that it is possible to be both strong and kind, resilient and gentle. Her life was a testament to faith, family, and perseverance. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, and you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

The family will receive guests from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary West, with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 159 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228.

A Committal Service will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.