Maria was born in Littlefield Texas to David Banda Sr. and Hortencia Salinas on September 8, 1956. She attended Whitharral High School in West Texas. She was a strong independent woman who raised her first three children on her own with discipline and love. She was also a loving and caring mother who was always there for her children. She met her wonderful husband Saturnino Diaz in Dallas, Texas. They married on September 18, 1987 and were blessed with two more children. Maria had a wonderful, fulfilled marriage of 35 years.

Maria Teresa Diaz went to be with our Lord on September 25, 2022, at 3:56 a.m. She left behind a beautiful legacy of (in order): Laurie Ann Benitez, James Martinez, Adelia Martinez, (Victor) Saturnino Diaz Jr. and Michael Anthony Diaz; and fourteen grandchildren: Jose Alejandro Aguilar, Carla Patricia Lopez, Eron Miguel Contreras, Maria Lynn Martinez, Brianna Lynn Martinez, Angela Tearesa Martinez, Damian Leon Martinez, Jazmine Leticia Martinez, Ricardo Daniel Martinez, Isaac Hernandez, Jacqueline Hernandez, Victor Emilo Rivera, Eli Antonio Rivera and Liliana Amaya Diaz. She was blessed to have four great-grandchildren: Elijah Joshua Aguilar, Leonardo Maximiliano Aguilar, Eron Miguel Contreras Jr. and Selena Moon Martinez.

Maria touched every life she encountered and was always ready to help if she could. Her smile would light up any room. She is loved and will be missed.


The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 28th from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm, a rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm. The following day Thursday, September 29th we will reunite at the funeral home chapel for a 10:00 am service and procession to follow to the final resting place of Maria, Southland Memorial Park.