Eloise Mendieta Smith

Eloise Mendieta Smith, 93, formerly of Pondosa, died Feb. 22 following a month-long decline in which she was surrounded by loving family, friends and caregivers at Ashley Manor.

A celebration of life will begin at 4 p.m. May 15 at Darla Wood-Walters' home, 22089 Stormy Lane in Bend.

She was born April 4, 1916, the fifth of 12 children to Gaolo and Isabella (Telleria) Mendieta in McDermitt, Nev. As a young girl, she worked with her parents on the ranch, and later in boarding houses and a variety of retail stores. She retired from North Pacific Wood Products at age 74.

Eloise, known to many as Gram, believed in hard work, the power of a penny and finding joy in playful moments. She extended a hand, hugs and a bit of advice to teachers and students at Elk Meadow Elementary School in Bend for more than 10 years.

Until her last few years, Eloise walked miles a day, talking and joking with all she met. She enjoyed crafting and crocheting projects for others. She loved to pick wild berries and catch fish, especially when her fish was the biggest.

She is survived by two sisters and two brothers; her daughter, Eleanore "Ellie" Wood of Bend; sons, Ken Smith of Bend and Gerald Lequerica of La Grande; several grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; five sisters; two brothers; and her son-in-law, Darwin Wood.

In memory of Eloise, the family asks that people reach out to a stranger; bring a smile to a child's face; take no more than a fair share (then share it with others); and wear red.

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