Rebecca "Becca" V. Mendez

Rebecca “Becca” V. Mendez, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the age of 85.

She was born the daughter of Ishmael and Simona (Silva) Valdivia on February 9, 1940, in Topeka, Kansas. A proud 1958 graduate of Hayden High School, Becca married the love of her life, Jose “Joker” Mendez, on August 22, 1959, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family and building a legacy of love before Joker’s passing in 2019.

Family was at the very center of Becca’s life. She was happiest surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, cheering them on at every milestone. Known for her generous heart, she never missed a chance to celebrate birthdays with her beautifully decorated cakes, giving haircuts to family and neighbors, or open her home to anyone in need. To Becca, family extended far beyond blood, if you were loved by her, you were family.

Becca’s second great love was softball. An avid sports enthusiast, she spent countless years on the field, playing in leagues, holding many positions, and making lifelong friendships through the game. She carried that same passion into the stands, cheering loudly and proudly for her children and grandchildren as they continued her love for the sport. Whether on the field or in the bleachers, softball was more than a game to Becca, it was a way to share joy, teamwork, and family spirit.

She also enjoyed bowling and giving her time to others. She volunteered with Let’s Help, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta, and funeral luncheons, always offering her time and talents in service to her community.

Above all, Becca will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her love for children, and the way she lived her life with generosity, laughter, and heart. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the family she so deeply cherished.

Survivors include her four cherished sons, Jose Mendez, Jr., of San Antiono, TX, Robert D. Mendez of Allen, TX, Eric E. Mendez of Topeka, KS, and David J. Mendez and his wife Fran of Allen, TX; as well as four loving grandchildren, Kailey M. Mendez, Maggie M. Mendez, Zachary M. Mendez, and Noah Valdivia-Mendez. Other survivors include her three siblings, Mary Munoz, Andrew “Cokie” Valdivia and his wife Patti, and Abel Valdivia and his wife Lonnie all of Topeka.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joker; and nine siblings that include, Esther Sepulveda, Peter Valdivia, Raymond Valdivia, Frank Valdivia, Albert Valdivia, Aurora Campos, Virginia Ramos, Joseph “Chepo” Valdivia, and Teresa Adame.

Becca will lie in state from 1-4:00 P.M., on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with a rosary being prayed at 3:00 P.M., followed by sharing of memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Becca's memory to Let's Help, 245 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66606, Alzheimer's Association (Heart of America Chapter) 8001 Conser, Ste: 240, Overland Park, KS or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

We invite you to share memories, offer condolences, or sign Becca's digital tribute wall at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.