Mary L. Mendoza, 70, a resident of Las Cruces, NM entered eternal rest Monday, April 18, 2016 at Mt. View Regional Medical Center.

She was born May 9, 1945 in Hurley, NM to Alberto Padilla and Guadalupe Luna.

She graduated from Cobre High School in 1964 and a year later graduated from Nursing School as an LPN. She worked at Fort Bayard Medical Center as an LPN, retiring after 25 years of service. After her retirement, she continued to work at various nursing homes in Silver City, Deming and Las Cruces totaling 42 years in the field.

In 1974, she married Eduardo T. Mendoza, the love of her life and her best friend. They were inseparable from the beginning to the very end.

She is survived by her loving husband Eduardo "Edward" T. Mendoza of Las Cruces; one son, Eddie P. Mendoza and wife Norma of Silver City; one daughter, Lorie Quintana and husband David of Las Cruces; eight grandchildren, Eddie James, Derreck, Anthony, Allyssa, Michaella, Jesse James Jr., Michael and Jade; two great-grandchildren, Sajin and Robert; five brothers, Jacinto Salcido and wife Alice of Las Cruces; Luis Salcido and wife Joann of Silver City; Raul Salcido of Hurley; Albert Padilla and wife Rita of Deming; Albert Padilla Jr., and wife Donna of Hurley; four sisters, Ruth Padilla and companion Martin Ybarra of Hurley; Alice Reyes of Hurley; Joann Ramos of Silver City; Denise Padilla and companion David Bowser of Sierra Vista, AZ.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 21 from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the prayer vigil and holy rosary to start at 6pm with Deacon Richard Rodriguez reciting. The funeral liturgy will be Friday, April 22 at 9:30am at Santa Clara Catholic Church with Father Robert Becerra officiating. Concluding service interment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Albert Padilla Jr., David Quintana, Jesse Baca Jr., Anthony Quintana, Denise Padilla, Michaella Panciera and Eddie Mendoza. Honorary pallbearers will be all her grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love ~ 575-537-0777.

To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.