Bessie C. Banta

Bessie Callegan Banta passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the age of 92 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge. She was born and raised in White Castle, Louisiana and resided in Baton Rouge most of her adult life. She was a homemaker and member of St. Louis King of France Catholic Church. Bessie loved cooking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching daily mass, Saints football and all LSU sports. Her nightly phone calls with her brother, Davis and sister-in-law, Kathy were one of the highlights of her day. Bessie is survived by her 3 sons, Floyd “Mickey” Banta (Debbie), Keith Banta (Margaret), Bruce Banta (Celeste); 6 grandchildren, Melisa Banta, Brandi Oufnac (Nick), Marie Esquivel, Matthew Banta (Tori), Travis Banta (Fran), Garrett Banta (Leanne); 13 great-grandchildren, Brooke Banta, Dennis “DJ” Dillenkoffer Jr., Carter Oufnac, Amelia Oufnac, Mason Esquivel, Madeline Esquivel, Vivian Banta, Jack Banta, Charlotte Banta, Quinn Banta, Cooper Banta, Anne-Davis Banta and Graves Banta; sister, Mary Berthelot; brother, Davis Callegan (Kathy) and numerous nieces and nephews. Bessie is preceded in death by her loving spouse of 58 years, Nolan R. Banta; parents, Alex and Amanda “Mandy” Callegan; sisters, Alta, Lucille, and Genevieve; brothers, William, Floyd, Joseph, Curtis, and John Dewey “JD.” Pallbearers will be Matthew Banta, Travis Banta, Garrett Banta, Nick Oufnac, Carter Oufnac and Dennis “DJ” Dillenkoffer Jr. Honorary pallbearer is her loving brother, Davis Callegan. A special thanks to the Claiborne, OLOL Hospital, The Carpenter House and her loving friends Kirsten Balkom and Lisa Wascom. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church from 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 12 pm. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences to the family.