Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friends passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the age of 83 years.

The daughter of the late Rafael and Juanita (Juarez) Banda was born on September 9, 1942, in Grafton, North Dakota. She married the love of her life, Daniel Castaneda; he predeceased her on September 24, 2013. Rachel was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Family was the center of Rachel’s life; she cared for her loved ones by cooking for them. She also enjoyed traveling and camping with her family and friends.

Surviving are her children: David (Sylvia) Gonzalez, Daniel “Hollywood” (Yolanda) Gonzalez, Adam (Carmen) Gonzalez, Anthony (Christina) Gonzalez, Dilia Aguilar, Mary “Lupe” (Dean) Spangler, Mary Christine (Adalberto) Santana, Olivia (Ruben) Aguilar, Elvira (Carlos) Castro, Daniel (Reta) Castaneda, Gary (Marylou) Castaneda, 50 grandkids, 114 great grandchildren, 28 great-great grandchildren, 1 great-great-great grandchild on the way, her siblings: Olga (Manuel) Cruz, Ernesto (Araceli) Banda, Nora (Tony) Barsenas, and many nieces, nephews, including special nieces Alicia Banda and Victoria Gonzalez-Watkins, special nephews Justo Gonzalez, Tomas Banda. Besides her parents and husband, Rachel was predeceased by a son, Jose Alvarado and her siblings: Rafael Banda Jr. and Mary Puga.

Honoring Rachel’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church 910 N. 6th St., Saginaw. Fr. Frank Voris. O.F.M. Cap will officiate. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service. Arrangements entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors. Please share your words of condolence with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com