Ricardo Mendoza

Ricardo Mendoza Vasquez, age 81, of San Benito, Texas, entered eternal rest on January 3, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on January 22, 1944, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, México, to Ricardo Mendoza and Faustina Vasquez. Ricardo lived a life rooted in strength, faith, and deep devotion to his family. He found joy in a simple, quiet life, where his selfless love was felt by all who knew him. He always took the time to check on others and genuinely cared about how they were doing. Ricardo was known for always joking around and always saying “Quien anda hay.” He was always joking around and making you laugh. You just didn’t know when to take him seriously. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ricardo showed so much love for all his family.

Ricardo was the pillar and foundation of the Mendoza family, and his home was always open, filled with warm laughter and unconditional love. Ricardo loved to spend time with his family, play loteria, poker, and fix lawn mowers. He is now at peace, reunited in heaven, with his beloved wife, and love of his life, Maria Esther Mendoza.

Ricardo leaves behind his loving children: Rosa Idalia Mendoza Pedraza (Rosie), Ricardo Mendoza Jr (Richo), Gricelda Mendoza Gonzalez (Gris), and Juan Carlos Mendoza (Juan).

His grandchildren: Timothy Adrian Rangel (Adrian), Hector Pedraza Jr (Tori), Jasmine Andrei Castillo (Nei), Jerry Alvarez, Nick Anthony Gonzalez (Anthony), Lexus Nicole Gonzalez, Sophia Nicolette Gonzalez (Sophie), Josue Manuel Mendoza (Josue), Juan Carlos Mendoza (Johnny)

His great-grandchildren: Adrian Maddox Rangel, Audrei Marie Pedraza, Aubrey Faith Pedraza, Ariella Madeleine Pedraza, Lucas Castillo, Joy Castillo, Leilani Jhene Alvarez, and Liliana Camila Alvarez. His two sons-in-law: Hector Pedraza and Nicolas Gonzalez Jr.

Ricardo was a born-again Christian. His faith in Jesus Christ was strong. While we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal truth, knowing he is living happily in everlasting life, reunited with his wife.

The Mendoza family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. Service will begin at 7:00 o’clock on Monday evening. Interment will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Mont Meta Memorial Park, 26170 Texas 345, San Benito, TX 78586.

Those honored to serve as active pallbearers are Timothy Adrian Rangel (Adrian), Hector Pedraza Jr. (Tori), Jerry Alvarez, Nick Anthony Gonzalez (Anthony), Juan Carlos Mendoza, Hector Pedraza, and Nicolas Gonzalez Jr.

Ricardo will be remembered as a strong, faithful, caring, and loving man, a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, and a friend to many, whose faith and sacrifices shaped generations. Though he has entered eternal rest, his love and legacy will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew him.

Ricardo will be deeply missed and forever remembered.