Eugenia Klinekole Mendez was born on December 17, 1964. She grew up in Mescalero and on July 2, 1981 married Robert Mendez. She graduated from Tularosa High School in 1982. Robert and Eugenia lived in Mescalero and together had seven children. Joy, Robin, Anthony, Cruz, Ashley, Sam and Ben.

 “Spunky” as we all knew her was the spirit of family and her home was surrounded with her children and grandchildren. She was generous and always had a smile on her face. Through the years there were many times she helped others and welcomed them in her home.

In the recent months with her declining health, she faced the challenges with courage and endurance. She was often seen out taking care of business as usual. She didn’t sit home and feel sorry for herself.

She was a loving grandmother and was happiest when her babies were near. If ever there was a gathering, you could hear her asking the girls if the babies were fed. A wonderful more caring grandmother you could not find.

She worked at Ski Apache and enjoyed the daily drive back and forth up the mountain. When she wasn’t working she was home in a place filled with love and sharing. Her infectious smile will forever be in the memory of anyone that knew her. Spending any time with Spunk always made you feel better and things were right in the world. That was her special gift that was shared with anyone she met.

Spunk is an angel and blessed by God.  She’s been gone for a short time but missed every day. We’re thankful for everything she did, the love shared, and the memories we all have of her beautiful smile and spirit. 

Eugenia went home to the Lord, on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 in Albuquerque New Mexico.

Eugenia was born on December 17, 1964. She was born and grew up in Mescalero, New Mexico. She married Robert Mendez on July 2, 1981 and together they resided in Mescalero and raised their children.

Robert and Eugenia had seven children: Daughters, Joy Ogaz, husband Frank, Robin Mendez, and Ashley Mendez. Sons, Anthony Mendez, wife Marina, Cruz Mendez, wife Jessalyn, Sam Mendez, and Ben Mendez.

18 grandchildren: Skye Ogaz, Bryan Fierro Jr., Caylie Williams, Ronnie Williams, Rainy Mendez, Antanaya Mendez, Raycelia Mendez, Makie Torres, East Mendez, Cruz Mendez Jr., Jude Mendez, Lani Cojo, Draven Chavez, Robbie Sainz, Sammie Mendez, Maekayla Mendez, Starlynn Mendez, and Shade Mendez.

Her father, Eugene Klilnekole Sr. her sisters, Lynelle Klinekole, Tarena Hiles, Aranelle Klinekole, and Jodi Cojo. Brothers: Patrick Hiles Sr., Eugene Klinekole Jr., and Isaac Klinekole. She was preceded in death by her mother, Arabelle Klinekole and brother James Hiles, Jr.

Church service to be determined at a later time.