Beverly Joyce Mendiola

January 23, 1933 - August 3, 2023

Beverly Joyce Mendiola passed away and ascended to her place in heaven on Thursday, August 3, 2023.
Beverly was born on January 23, 1933 in Reno, Nevada. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Louis Harold Mendiola, her father Samuel “Waltzy” Elliott and mother Gertrude Harnem Elliott as well as her sister Bonnie Elliott Crawford as well her sister and brother in-law Marie Mendiola Laca and Vernon Laca.
Beverly is survived by her son Vincent Louis Mendiola (Joyce Allen Mendiola), David Allen Mendiola (Kandice Jacquelyn Koop-Mendiola) and Karen Mendiola Streett (Rick Street) as well as grandchildren Chelsea Mendiola Cabatbat (Taua Cabatbat), Louis Shane Mendiola; Lindsay Joy Mendiola, Micah Angel Mendiola (Jordan Tipton Vetter) and Meshell Faith Mendiola; Stevie Noyes Broncheau (James Broncheau), as well as ten great grandchildren; Txendoa Cabatbat, Kea Cabatbat; Rogan and Hollis Vetter Mendiola; Jayna Vance, Talise Broncheau; and Stockton, Logan, Max and Gavin Streett. Nieces and nephews include Craig Crawford, Doug Ferguson, Linda Laca Helms, Karla Laca, Klad Ybarra and great-nieces and nephews Bobby Westfall (Tiffany), Daniel Westfall, Shauna Del Soldato (Steve Del Soldato), Justin Del Soldato. Brother-in-law William “Bill” Crawford, nephew Craig Crawford, and nephews Jason and Brandon Willer and great nephew Max Willer and great nieces Charly Willer and Brianna Willer.
In addition, Beverly became the mother to a large number of friends of her children from Boise State that she met in Boise, Idaho while she and Louie lived in Idaho.
These extended children always stopped in Winnemucca to visit Beverly to get a good meal, including Jim and Cheryl Klotz, John and BJ Klotz, Dave and Dan Williams, Shaun and Ellen Byrne, Larry and Jackie Polowski and many, many others. In addition, her Winnemucca children Kent Mowry, Dan Monarrez, David Elizondo and Debbie Finnel always stayed in touch and assisted her whenever she needed anything.
Beverly spent her entire educational experience in Humboldt County schools and graduated from Humboldt County High School in 1950.
She moved to Reno in 1951 with her close friends Dee Martinez (Larragueta), Pat Defenbaugh, Fran Mariluch and Dee Frensdorf during the Korean War. She moved back to Winnemucca in 1953 where she joined Nevada Bell in the business office, however, when a job in Los Angeles with the phone company became available she moved to Los Angeles with her best friend Dee Larragueta.
Beverly spent the bulk of her career with the telephone company in various roles, but left the company to work for Southwest Gas in the early 70’s working with Ben Aldous, who became a great family friend. She left Southwest Gas and moved to Boise in 1980 to rejoin the phone company.
She lived in Boise until her retirement in 1987 when she and Louie returned to Winnemucca.
Three years later she lost her husband of 35-years when he passed suddenly. She never remarried as Louie was her first and only love.
Beverly spent endless hours donating her time to The Hospital Auxiliary as a “Pink Lady” working at the Poke N’ Peek and the hospital raising badly needed funds for special equipment for the hospital and the community.
One her most memorable events was when her grandson Louis Mendiola set up a tour of Burning Man as part of HGH’s work with the event. She and many other Pink Ladies spent the day at the site, which was an eye opener, especially when she and the others were warned not to accept anything from the event participants as there was no telling what experience they might have if they ingested it.
She also was a member of the St. Paul’s Catholic Church Alter Society supporting the church and its members. She was also a teachers’ aide at Winnemucca Junior High School for nearly 7-years.
Beverly was an avid bowler and golfer and competed in the Winnemucca ladies’ clubs in both sports.
She had her first and only hole-in-one at the Winnemucca Golf Course second hole, 187-yard par three on August 10, 1991. This was one her great accomplishments as an athlete.
She was so proud of that amazing shot that she shared with her great golfing friends.
Beverly spent a great deal of time with her friends including Annie (Etchegoyen) Burhans and Normie (Etchegoyen) Schwartz, Sharon Bankofier and Rene Vesco. She also traveled with Dee Larragueta and Carolyn Elizondo to a number of destinations, including Australia and New Zealand.
Following the passing of her father Waltzy Elliott she bought the family home on Shepard Street and lived there until 2018 when she sold the home and moved to Larios Arms Apartments in Winnemucca. She loved her stay at Larios as she was surrounded by old and new friends alike.
The family would like to thank Cheryl Higbee, Cheryl McIntyre, Joyce Larkin and many others that spent so much time with her and checking on her well-being. We love you all so much for your kindness! A special thanks to the Harmony Road family of Doyle’s, Doughty’s, Morton’s, Asher’s, Gribbles and others that made living in Winnemucca in the 70’s such a joy.
Beverly loved her Boise State Broncos and seldom ever missed a game on television or in person when she lived in Boise. She also loved sports of all kinds, especially golf on television.
Beverly celebrated her 90th birthday on January 23, 2023 with her family and friends and she was thrilled to spend the time with all those who have been part of her 90-years on the earth.
A very special thanks to the staff at Humboldt General Hospital and especially the doctors and her nurses Marina and Janelle for their love and compassion in our time of grief!
Beverly had a very short bout of sickness and died peacefully at Humboldt General Hospital with her family and friends around her.
She was in her element as she was always trying to get the family together for gatherings. This gathering was the ultimate send off. Beverly was a devout catholic her entire adult life and loved Jesus. Now she is with her father in heaven.
A mass will be conducted at St Paul’s Cathedral in Winnemucca on Tuesday, August 22 at 11:00am, followed by a brief graveside ceremony and a celebration of life at the Boys & Girls Club in Winnemucca that will begin at 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Humboldt Hospital Auxiliary at P.O. Box 1073, Winnemucca, Nevada 89445.