Ramona LaVarce Matney (Miller) Banfield

Ramona LaVarce Matney (Miller) Banfield, The Co-Founder of the City of Garden Ridge, Texas, peacefully ascended to Heaven at the beautiful age of 90 years on January 8, 2024. Born December 13, 1933 in Bratcher Ridge, Missouri; her early years were a struggle with little amenities. Her home had no indoor water or facilities. She attended a little schoolhouse located on the family property. A walk to the nearest store was two miles each way. When her mother passed away from tuberculosis, Ramona was sent to live with an aunt in Oregon, but her aunt was not very kind to her, so she was placed in a foster home with a wonderful family until she finished high school. After a while she joined the United States Marine Corps. Trained as an Aircraft Controller, she met and fell in love with another Marine, Harold A. Miller. They soon married and left the service then began a family in San Antonio. She and Harold had four children. Harold Andrew (deceased) (Tina Miller); Julia (Tom Farrar), Karen (Bobby Boyte, deceased); Carl Miller. After several years they moved to Comal County where she and Harold developed Garden Ridge. Harold built many homes in the community and Ramona named the streets in the original Garden Ridge development. After their divorce in 1978, Ramona met Dr. Bill Banfield and they were married in 1981. The couple moved to Arkansas and enjoyed their time together until Bill’s death. Moving back to San Antonio, she enjoyed being a grandmother and spending time with her family. “Mamaw” had 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren along with nieces, nephews, and many friends. She enjoyed playing Bunco monthly with the Ladies’ Club. She was perhaps the best Chicken Kiev and Apple Cake baker in San Antonio…however, she was the absolute Best Breakfast Biscuit maker in the entire world! Ramona (Mamaw), had so many life experiences to share with her family. She gave unconditional love and asked for nothing in return. A believer in Christ, Ramona lived a Christian life and was a member and greeter at Summit Church in San Antonio.

She sky-dived in her 80’s and now soars with the angels.

The Visitation will be held at Schertz Funeral Home on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, the Funeral Service will take place the following day on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Schertz Funeral Home at 2:00 PM, followed by burial at Bracken Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers:

Chase Trevino, Alleck Bordisso, Charlie Bordisso, Gavin Dunaway, Talon Dunaway,

T.K. Farrar, and Kodin Janicke