Jose S. Mendez III, 16, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on June 20, 1999. Jose is survived by his daughter, Natalie Marie Mendez; the mother of his daughter, Nicole Anderson; his father, Joe S. Mendez Jr. and wife, Eva; his grandfather and grandmother, Jose S. Mendez Sr. and Sally (Barkmeier) Mendez; three brothers, Brandon Mendez, Cody Mendez and Mark Mendez and wife, Valerie, all of Albuquerque; one sister, Ashley Laughlin of Biloxi, MS; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jose was a member of the Catholic Church, and a student at Cibola High School, where he just completed his Sophomore year. At the request of the family, everyone was welcome to attend the services.

Visitation was held Wednesday afternoon in the Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, after 3:00 p.m., and a Rosary was recited at 7:00 p.m. by Mrs. Gabriella Nieto. Final visitation was Thursday morning in the Our Lady of Assumption Church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:00 a.m. by Father Mike Cimino. Interment was at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Pallbearers were Josh Lovato, Alex Chavez, Matt Eriksen, David Galbraith, Jason Simmons and Mike Opiola. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Murray, Brandon Mendez, Cody Mendez, Jarrad Wilson, Anthony Petersen and Roy Pedersen. Gabaldon Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.