October 2, 2011, Maria Mendez Rodriguez, 74 went home to be with her Heavenly Father, at Central WA Hospital in Wenatchee, WA from a sudden illness. Her husband of 59 years and their children were at her side, lovingly holding her hands. Family will greet friends for viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011 at Kayser's Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Moses Lake Christian Missionary Alliance Church, 1100 N. Grape Drive. Inurnment will be at Guarding Angels Cemetery, Moses Lake. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.

Maria was born on January 2, 1937 in Choate, Texas. Maria was the 2nd of 6 children born to her proud parents, Reynaldo and Cruz Mendez. On July 3, 1952 Maria was joined in marriage to Pedro S. Rodriguez in Portales, New Mexico. They lived in Brownfield, TX for 17 years. During this time, they were blessed with 5 children. They moved to Washington in 1964 and made their home in Mt. Vernon for 10 years and moved to Moses Lake in 1974 and have made Moses Lake their home until her untimely death.

Maria worked as a Greeter at the Moses Lakes Wal-Mart ever since they opened their doors in June 1993. Maria never met a stranger at her job. She has touched the lives of many people and truly loved going to work every day.

Maria is survived by her spouse of 59 years, Pedro, her 5 children and their spouses, Jesusa (Jim) Snohomish, WA, Pete (Corinne), Eltopia, WA, Estelita, Olympia, WA, Roy, Moses Lake and Joe (Rhonda), Moses Lake. Her brothers Joe Mendez of Sunnyside, WA and Moneco Marez (Nana) of Texas. Her grandchildren, David, Jeffrey, Nichole, Olivia, Rey, Jeremy and Jaclyn. Her great grandchildren, Taylor Briggs Slack, Paxton Carmichael Wiseman, Aiden Cooper Rodriguez and Alex Rodriguez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, her infant brother, her brother Daniel and her sister Oralia.

Maria was a bright and shining star to her family and to the many people that she met every day at her job. Her star was put out too early here on earth, we know she is in heaven "greeting" people as they enter into their heavenly home. We love and miss you here but we know we will greet you again one day.