Annabel Christine Garitty Rivas

She was born on July 13, 1926, to Christine Louise Kepler Garitty and Richard Thomas Garitty, Sr. in New Orleans, Louisiana. Annabel grew up as the middle child with older brother, Richie, and little sister, Marian, during the Great Depression. After graduating from Francis T. Nicholls High School in New Orleans, Annabel took business courses at Soule Business College. She then acquired a job working for the Adjutant General where she processed soldiers who were returning to the states after WWII at the New Orleans Port of Embarkation in 1945. While riding a streetcar named Desire, Annabel met Frank Ferdinand Rivas, her dearly loved husband of almost 40 years. They married in 1946 in New Orleans.

After moving to San Antonio in 1946, Annabel was focused on her family. When asked about her occupation she often corrected those who called her a “housewife,” for she was always a “homemaker.” She devoted her life to her family by expressing her love through her actions. Her love was reflected in her perfectionist tendencies, creativity, and resourcefulness. Her creations, be it fashion, (wedding dress, prom dress, recital costume), or the food and decorations for a party, exhibited her elegance, Southern charm, and “just right” touches to make the occasion extraordinary, but not extravagant. Annabel also enjoyed embroidery in her spare time.

She now joins her cherished husband, Lt. Col. (Army Reserves) Frank Ferdinand Rivas, brother, Richard T. Garitty, Jr., and sister, Marian Hessler. She is survived by her children: Irene Rivas Hill; Frank Richard Rivas and wife Pamela; Charles Anthony Rivas; Robert Nicholas Rivas; Suzanne Kathryn Rivas and husband David Kammer; six grandchildren: Ryan Rivas; Rebecca Rivas; Mark Rivas and wife Crystal; Karl Ebert and wife Amanda; Anton Ebert and wife Erynn; and Neil Kammer; and three great-grandchildren: Harper Ebert, Ella Ebert, and Wyatt Ebert (Anton).

The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

ROSARYTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 20227:30 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVENUE

FUNERAL SERVICEFRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 202210:00 A.M.ST. LUKE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH4603 MANITOU DRIVE

Those unable to attend, may live stream the service by visiting the St. Luke Catholic Church Facebook Page.

Interment will follow at San Fernando II cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.