CHELLY P. MENDOZA

Dec. 25, 1921 ~ Oct. 27, 2014
A Mass of Christian burial celebrating the life of Chelly P. Mendoza will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at 12 p.m., at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Baldwin, with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 9 a.m. at the church. He will be laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Father Gregory Cormier will officiate the services. Serving as pallbearers will be his six grandsons, Jack, James and Ryan Ruskoski, Steven Burgess and Nick and Jesse Mendoza. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Ruskoski, Cliff Burgess, Jimmy Champagne, Huey Hoffpauir and Conrad Rispoli.
Born on Christmas day in 1921, Chelly was the youngest of six sons born to the late Albert Mendoza Sr. and the late Eve Verett Mendoza. He was a native of Ashton and a lifelong resident of Baldwin, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 27, 2014, at his home.
Chelly was a veteran of the United States Army, 1st Medical Squadron, 1st Calvary Div., where he served as a medic and participated in the liberation of Santo Tomas Prison Camp in the Philippines. He received numerous decorations for his faithful and dedicated service, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Anna Bell Robison Mendoza; four children, Susan M. Lanclos; Brenda M. Ruskoski and her husband, Ronnie; Marilyn M. Burgess and her husband, Cliff; and Brad J. Mendoza and his companion, Sandy; 10 grandchildren, Lisa L. Champagne and her husband, Jimmy; Taren Ruskoski Boutte and her husband, Blake; Jack Ruskoski and his companion, April Daigle; James Ruskoski and his wife, Betty; Ryan Ruskoski and his wife, Rebecca, Steven Burgess and his wife, Maria; Ashley Spivey and her husband, Montie; Nick Mendoza; Jesse Mendoza and his wife, Maegan; and Katie Mendoza; 13 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; one niece, Ann Mendoza LeBlanc; and a very special friend, Rose Marie Hoyt Weber.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant children; five brothers, Ivy, Avery, Albert Jr., Woodrow and J.B. Mendoza; as well as by his daughter’s longtime companion, Clyde Deslatte.
For those wishing to make memorial contributions, the family suggests they be made in Mr. Chelly’s name to The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-528-1944.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc. of Franklin.