Jovita C. Mendoza, age 95, of Topeka, KS, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
She was born the daughter of Tomas and Guadalupe (Rodriguez) Carreno on May 8, 1930. On October 29, 1949, Jovita married her beloved sweetheart, Guillermo “Memo” Mendoza at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together, they shared 46 years of marriage before Memo’s passing on January 27, 1996.
Family, hard work, and a devoted passion for cooking and baking exemplified Jovita’s life. Her house was a place of warmth and great food as she loved to cook Mexican food for her family. Jovita’s home was decorated for every holiday and in her down time, she enjoyed cross stitching. Jovita will be best remembered for her long career as the “pie maker” for Bobo’s Drive In. Her 40 plus years of work included thousands of pies being prepared and baked and she was interviewed in the 2008 episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with host Guy Fieri. Jovita put her heart and soul in every pie she made.
Survivors include her four daughters, Anna M. Finlay, Eleanor M. Bruch, Vita Jo Gomez, Evelyn M. Howard (Jerry); and her son, Rene “Randy” L. Mendoza (Chris). Other survivors include her 11 grandchildren, Quinn, Cameron, Marisa, Melissa, Keli, Michele, Marla, Jarred “J.T.”, Dain, Alaina, and Angelo; and 9 great-grandchildren. Jovita leaves behind her last surviving sibling, Helen Hidalgo. The family of Jovita would like to thank and recognize, Gloria Munoz for her special friendship and kindness shown to their mother.
She was preceded in death by her husband; granddaughter, Nikki Mendoza; son-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Gomez; grandson-in-law, Todd Moss; as well as 10 siblings.
Visitation will be held from 9-10:30 A.M., followed by a rosary at 10:30 A.M., on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Jovita’s memory to Midland Hospice Care. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.
To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS. 66603.
