Anita Salinas Diaz, of San Antonio, passed away on 20 January, 2021 at the age of 91 years.

Born in McCoy, Texas, she spent her early years in the town of Charlotte. She married Julio Diaz in Atascosa County in March 27, 1944. Shortly after they moved to Pleasanton, Texas. After some time, she moved again to San Antonio, where she would spend the rest of her life.

Anita was a sure, determined woman with a strong voice. She had a passion for Bingo, winning big several times, and even taking several of her grandchildren to get in on the action. Apart from these, she would also take many bus trips to visit her family in Houston and El Paso.

Her family loved her cooking. Her specialty dishes were enchiladas, capirotada and crispy dogs. She also had a passion for gardening, for herbs, and cultivating chiles. Even into her later years she had a small patch of ground to tend her herb garden.

Under her leadership, Anita organized many trips to Las Vegas, to Kickapoo and to Lake Charles. Because of this, she earned the nickname "The Slot Machine Queen."  She won big several times and would regal us about her many adventures. In the last few years, she even organized one last trip and filled a bus with her children and grandchildren to the Kickapoo casino.

Anita attended St. Leo the Great Catholic Church for many years and served as a proud member of the Guadalupanas.

She was preceded in death by her husband Julio Diaz Sr, parents Santiago Salinas and Herlinda Salinas, son Cresenciano "Peewee" Diaz, and son Edward Diaz. She is survived by her 7 children: Mary Ornelas (Willie), Yolanda Calderon (George), Richard Diaz (Blanche), Guadalupe Ornelas (Carlos), Julio Diaz (Victoria), Sylvia Longoria and Annette Flores, and 27 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Leading up to her last days, she requested to spend them at the home of her eldest daughter. She was made comfortable and received family members as they shared precious last memories with her.  While resting in her bed, several of her grandchildren sang songs to her. Anita entered into rest surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Anita…mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, and the matriarch of the Diaz family, left a lasting legacy and will never be forgotten.

Due to restrictions regarding social distancing, funeral services are only for her children and grandchildren. Friends and extended family are welcomed to pay their respects from 7pm-8pm via a walk-by viewing after the funeral service Friday night