Maria "Ete" Mendoza

Maria “Ete” Mendoza passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020 in Wichita, KS after a brief battle with COVID. Ete was born November 25, 1938 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, first child of Odilon and Isabel Leon (Bravo). In 1967, Ete moved to Kansas after marrying her husband, lifelong resident of Independence, Carlos “Gilbert” Mendoza. She became an American citizen on September 1996. Ete worked various jobs throughout her life including co-owning Mexican restaurants in Cherryvale and Independence. She moved out of the area in 2007 after the death of her husband and lived in Wichita, KS and Bethlehem, PA for several years until returning to Wichita in 2018. Ete is survived by her daughter, Rosa Paddock, Wichita, KS, grandchildren Jordan Gaddy, Hutchinson, KS, Jarrett Gaddy, Andover, KS, Justin Gaddy, Wichita, KS, Sydney Gaddy, Wichita, KS. and 3 great grandchildren and brothers Luis Leon, Guadalajara, MX and Jose Leon Puerto Morelos, MX. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters and 1 brother. Her funeral will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Independence. Graveside service to follow after Mass. Please donate to your local animal shelter or ASPCA in lieu of flowers.