This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Mendez Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4892/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Genoveva Mendez was born in Mexico in 1906 and later moved with her family to California. From a very young age her parents taught her and her 4 siblings to have great respect for the bible. This would be a value that would serve her well in later years. She married Guadalupe Mendez in 1929. They settled in Los Angeles and then proceeded to have six children. Life seemed to be going as planned until one morning there was a knock at the door. A brother in a white suit and white shoes stood on the other side holding a phonograph. State of the art equipment for the time, she decided to listen and immediately recognized that what she was hearing was indeed the truth from the bible. Genoveva was baptized in the summer of 1950 at the convention at the Olympic Boxing Arena in Los Angeles. Although at first Guadalupe resisted the message, Genoveva's zealous spirit for the good news eventually gained his cooperation. Later on he did all he could to support her in her worship of Jehovah. A highlight of her ministry was attending the conventions in New York City in 1953 and 1958 with her husband. She set a fine example as a Christian wife and mother always at the meeting, in the ministry or in the kitchen fixing one of her delicious meals. She was very generous and hospitable with the little that we had - a trait that carries on throughout her large extended family. She was always determined to keep her children in the truth; teaching us by example in the importance of regular worship and study of God's word. Her unwavering faith in Jehovah's kingdom promises strengthened each of us to continue serving Jehovah to this day. At nearly 105 years of age and with over 60 years in service to Jehovah, Genoveva could rightly say that she had fought "the fine fight" and won. Her wonderful example has left a lasting impression on her extended family, producing a fine spiritual legacy. She had the privilege of helping two of her fleshly sisters to come into the truth. She was able to see her children and grandchildren grow spiritually serving in a multitude of assignments including elders, ministerial servants, bethelites, special pioneers, regular pioneers, circuit work, and even an M.T.S graduate. In addition there are many more serving faithfully in their home congregations continuing her pattern of steady service to Jehovah. These are all a wonderful testimony to her example of faithfulness to Jehovah. Genoveva was preceded in death by her husband, Guadalupe, and her eldest daughter Sally. She is survived by her 5 children; Grace, Ruth, Olga, and Mark, along with their spouses, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The entire family wishes to extend their thanks for your many kind words, warm cards, gifts, and heartfelt love during this time. We are truly grateful to be a part of such a loving brotherhood and Jehovah's amazing organization. Please send condolences to Ruth and Grace Mendez; 5102 Via Portola, Oceanside, CA 92057. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on October 31, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.