Maria de Jesus H. Mendez, 91, of Van Horn, Texas, passed on June 25, 2023. Maria was born on November 27, 1931 in Sandhills, Texas and was a housewife.

Maria married Cruz Mendez in Allamoore, Texas, in 1949. She was a mother, aunt and grandmother to all that knew him and they knew her as “Ama.”

She is survived by her sons, Cruz Jose Mendez and his wife Veronica of Van Horn, Texas, Jesus Mendez and his wife Jeri of Rankin, Texas, Encarnacion Mendez and his wife Gracie of Abilene, Texas. Daughters, Ana Ramirez and her husband Sam of Clint, Texas, Margarita Mendez of Allamore, Texas, Imelda Willis of New Home, Texas, Olivia Legarreta and her husband Esequiel of Van Horn, Texas, and her 3 sisters, Raquel Ramirez, Amalia Bazan, and Amelia Mendez all of Van Horn, Texas. She had 24 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband Cruz Mendez, daughter Francisca Mendez; Brothers Blas Hernandez, Julian Hernandez and sister Berta Carrasco.

Pallbearers are Daniel Mendez, Matthew Mendez, Christopher Mendez, Emilio Mendez, Nathan Willis, Jose Luis Tarango, Joshua Mendez and Anthony Corralez. Honorary Pallbearers are Jonathan Mendez, Andy Mendez, Philip Mendez, Ethan Willis, Christian Legarreta, Noah Sanchez, Aiden Escajeda, Fernando Tarango, Christopher Tarango, Jay Adams, Andruw Garcia, Jadyn Garcia, Liam Garcia, Brock Alegre, River Mendez and Alexander Mendez.

Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Van Horn, Texas on Friday June 30, 2023 at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 10:00am. Burial will follow in the Van Horn Cemetery.