Rita Louise MendozaOxnard, CARita Louise Mendoza, 79, of Oxnard passed away peacefully on June 4, 2017, surrounded by her loved ones. Rita was born on September 2, 1937, in Santa Paula to Donaciano and Anita Urias. In 1955, she graduated from Santa Paula High School. After graduation, she married her childhood neighbor, Modesto Mendoza. They had five children - Marcella, Andrew, Anthony, Martina, and Mariana. She and Modesto were married for 48 years before he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Martina. Rita was a secretary at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, stayed home for several years to raise her family, and then worked for the Employment Development Department until she retired. She was very active at Sunset Little League for over 10 years. She was also an active member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, and more recently, Santa Clara Chapel. Rita's idea of a perfect day was feeding her family and friends, winning a few jackpots at the casino, or drinking a nice glass of wine with loved ones.

Rita is survived by her children, Marcella Patterson (husband Aldrich) of Chico, Calif., Andrew Mendoza (wife Sandy) of Port Hueneme, Calif., Anthony Mendoza (wife Kristin) of Oxnard, Calif.; Mariana Duron (husband Ernie) of Chico, Calif.; and son-in-law Anthony Mendez of Oxnard, Calif.; grandchildren, Valerie Valadez (husband Peter), Joseph, Adrian, and Candace Mendoza, Alisa and Alex Patterson, Amanda and Matthew Zuniga, Kristina Palacios (husband Leo) and Michael and Emma Mendoza; great-granddaughter Mia Valadez; sisters, Eleanor Ramirez of Port Hueneme, Ofelia De La Torre and Ramona Chavez of Santa Paula; brother Frank Urias (wife Eva) of Oxnard; and countless nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives, compadres and friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. with the rosary starting at 6:30 p.m. at Santa Clara Mortuary. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13, also at Santa Clara Mortuary. Burial will follow at the Santa Clara Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Santa Clara Mortuary at 805-485-5757.