Anita Buentello Mendoza was born in Taylor, Texas on December 2, 1928 to Crescencio and Cecilia Buentello. She entered Heaven’s gates on January 9, 2017.
Anita was the consummate mother, sister and grandmother. Her happiest moments involved being encircled with the love she felt from her family and friends.
Her humble and jovial childhood was shattered with the untimely death of her father, Crescencio. His death set in motion a lifelong desire to take care of and protect those closest to her. Her love sparkled when she met her beloved, Ruben. Later in life, she would say about meeting him, “he was the handsomest young man in the room.”
After their marriage, her life soon filled with the pitter patter of children. She commented, “My life’s meaning became clear with the birth of Lucy.” Along with the joys of young love and motherhood, Anita, also took care of her father-in-law, Manuel, until his death. After his death, the young family packed up, moved to Dallas with the hopes of a bigger and better life. Soon, afterwards, Manuel and Roy joined Lucy to complete the family.
Those early years in Dallas brought each of her siblings to her. Jokingly, she would say, “my home was a halfway house for my brothers and sisters.” She knew they wanted to see the “big city” but loved the fact she had an opportunity to take care of them before they launched their lives.
After nine years, God blessed her with another set of children. First, Olga, then, Ruben Jr. and finally her special angel, David. With the addition of the newest members came the need for a bigger house. Across Dallas they moved from west to east.
Life continued as her first set of children ventured into their own lives and the younger ones were finishing their education. Her days were filled with work and her nights were filled with dancing. Later in life she volunteered, assisted various church organizations, travelled, danced, shopped and doted on her grandchildren. Her happiness grew with each new addition to the family.
Anita joins a choir of angels waiting for her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ruben, her sons, Manuel, Roy and David, her parents, her brothers, Richard, Robert, and Henry, and her sisters Angela and Amelia. We know they welcomed her with open arms.
Anita is survived by her daughters, Lucy Kidwell and Olga Bullard and her son, Ruben Mendoza, Jr. Her legacy lives on through her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Online condolences maybe made at www.hughesftc.com
Viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 5 pm. Followed by the Rosary and Prayer services beginning at 6 pm at Hughes Family Tribute Center, 9700 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas, TX 75220.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, 11 am at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 1404 Old Gate Ln., Dallas, TX 75218. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Memorial Park.

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