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.
