Julia V. Mendez, 93, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away peacefully at 1:56 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026 at The Kensington. She was born on April 12, 1932 in Leon, Mexico to Plutarco & Feliciana Espethia Villegas. She married Eusebio A. “Abie” Mendez on November 20, 1949 in Mexico City. They were devoted to each other for 76 years and were the love of each other’s lives. She worked at Sacred Heart Hospital, Connor’s Cove and retired from the Sheaffer Pen Company. She was a member of Holy Family Parish and was a devout Catholic all of her life. She was a founding member of The Guadalupanas. She was a member of the Fort Madison LULAC. She loved her family with all of her heart. She enjoyed gardening, dancing to Mexican music, praying the rosary and cooking for her family-cooking was her “love language”.
Julia is survived by: her husband: Abie Mendez of Fort Madison, IA; 2-daughters: Stella (Steve) Etka of Fort Madison, IA & Mary (John) Carson of Fort Madison, IA; 1-son: Mario (Bobbie) Mendez of Fort Madison, IA and 13-grandchildren, 23-great grandchildren & 6-great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her parents, 5-brothers, 2-sisters, 2-daughters: Sandra Bentler & Christina Wilson, 1-son: Martin Mendez, 1-son in law: Mike Bentler and 4-grandchildren: Sheena, Shelby & Shayne’ Bentler & Michael Carson.
A rosary will be recited at 3:00 p.m. followed by a visitation until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church. The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Holy Family Parish or the Fort Madison LULAC. Online condolences to Julia’s family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com. King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the Mendez family with the arrangements.
