Services for Mary Juanita Pantoja “Jenny Mendoza”, 75, of Lawrence, will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Jenny Mendoza died Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Midland Care Hospice House, surrounded by her family.
She was born March 30, 1951, in Lawrence, the daughter of Emanuel and Mary (Jaimez) Mendoza. She was a homemaker, caregiver, and mother. She was an amazing cook and loved getting her family together to share a meal.
Survivors include a son, Orlando Mendoza (Robyn), Lawrence, Kansas, grandchildren Caitlyn Whitlock, Lawrence, Kansas; Briana Valencia, Kansas City, Missouri; Camron Mendoza, Jacksonville, Florida; Trey Johnson, Lawrence, Kansas; Marcello Mendoza, Lawrence, Kansas; and Leiliana Johnson, Lawrence, Kansas; sisters, Isabel Vargas, Ernestina Guerrero, Esperanza Mendoza, Gloria Ming, Maria Ming, Rita Melendez, and Anita Coyote; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Rose Carmona, and Corina Bermudez; brothers Richard Mendoza, Antonio Mendoza, Reuben Mendoza Sr., Luis Mendoza Sr., Robert Mendoza; and children Javiel Pantoja, Luis Pantoja Jr., and Katoya Owens (Logan).
The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. Graveside services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Memorial contributions may be made via GoFundMe/Jenny Mendoza’s Funeral Expenses.
To the Mendoza Family, may your sister rest in peace…Mike Hadl…
I loved Jenny, she was a beautiful, caring and just a kind cousin. I swish very much that I could be there for her and the rest of my family. Jenny was definitely loved and I will miss her very much! Jenny and my cousins will be in my prayers and thoughts!
Titi I will never forget how you would call me “Monisi” lol you truly are going to be missed. It doesn’t sit right with me that you’re gone but I know now that you’re healed from everything. I love you. To Orlando im so deeply sorry that you’re going through this just know she’s always with you and forever will be im sending prayers and hugs your way.