Patricia Ann Stanford Mendez

Patricia Ann returned to our Heavenly home on April 21, 2023. As a devoted daughter, loving wife, and doting mother, Patricia embodied courage, faith, diligence, and Christlike love throughout her life.

Patricia was born the youngest of eight children to Ural and Susie Stanford on March 12, 1938, in Huntsville, Texas. Growing up with five older brothers she loved being outdoors with them, riding horses and playing sports.

While working in Houston as an administrative assistant and supporting her mother, Little Mama, Patricia met her eternal companion, Rafael Mendez from Puerto Rico, who was at the time stationed at Fort Hood. It was love at first sight! They married in 1963 and when Rafael finished his duty, moved to Puerto Rico where they welcomed their four children and taught them through example the value of faith, hard-work, diligence, and gratitude. The family later moved to the Dominican Republic, back to Puerto Rico, then to North Carolina, and finally to Utah.

Patricia’s love for the Savior, her family and all she met was evident in all she did and said as she touched many lives with her genuine, sweet, quiet, attentive ways. She rejoiced in the accomplishments and happy moments in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was always eager to join in craft and canning projects, games, adventures and discovering new places. Her laugh and giggles were contagious!

Patricia and Rafael served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Highlights of their many years of serving were their callings of presiding over the Santiago Dominican Republic Mission and working in the Guatemala City Temple. Many individuals have been edified and blessed and rejoice in her humble goodness.

Patricia is survived by her loving eternal companion of 60 years, Rafael Avelino Julian Mendez Martinez; her children, Susan Diane Mendez (Daniel) Bellingham, Rafael Avelino (Vicci) Mendez, Janette Marie Mendez Black, Jeffrey Allen (Yamile) Mendez; her brother, Jim Stanford; as well as 25 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by six of her siblings and son-in-law, Preston Black.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant View 9^th Ward Chapel, 3602 North 500 West, Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery.

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