Bentura Mendoza

Bentura "Ben" Mendoza, 88, of Hartford was born Feb. 17, 1927, to Blas and Anita (Ornelas) Mendoza. He passed away Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, at his home with his family by his side.

His parents preceded him in death. Also preceding him were a granddaughter, Venessa Garcia; two brothers, Frank and Lupe Mendoza; a sister, Molly Magdaleno; and a son-in-law, John Winkel.

Ben is survived by his wife of 58 years, Aurelia; their eight children: Diana (Vincente) Garcia, Bentura Jr. (Sandy) Mendoza, Juan "Johnny" Mendoza, Rosa Winkel, Ramon (Tammy) Mendoza and Blas Mendoza, all of Hartford; Pablo "Paul" (Delfina) Mendoza of Kalamazoo; and Anita (Jon) LaVanway of Monroe. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers: Robert Mendoza of Nebraska, Carlos Mendoza of Kansas and Blas Mendoza of Nebraska; and four sisters: Helen Davila and Delia Quintero, both of Texas; Maria Pena of Kansas; and Vera Tristan of Arizona.

Ben served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II. He worked as a ranch crew boss on many area farms. He enjoyed western movies, listening to Narteno and gospel music, going to Tejano dances and spending time with his family, especially his dear wife. His idols were John Wayne, Roy Rogers and Ronald Reagan.

The family will welcome friends from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hartford, followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Ben will then be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations in Ben's name be made to the family. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.