Ofelia M. Alaniz

Born on February 21, 1935, to Jose P. Mendez and Beatriz (Saenz) Mendez on the King Ranch, Kingsville Texas, Ofelia passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026. She and her six siblings were fiercely proud to call themselves true Kineños.

Ofelia met the love of her life, Manuel, while attending H.M. King HS where she was voted and proudly became the first Mexican head cheerleader for her school. They eloped and were married on September 11, 1951. From then, she devoted her life to following her husband during his Air Force career to Holloman AFB, NM; Lake Charles Airfield, LA; Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico and Dyess AFB, TX with a child born at each base. While stationed in Austin during the time when Manuel was in Viet Nam and raising three young children alone, Ofelia was encouraged by her youngest brother and barber Ramon, to attend hair styling school. She proudly completed school and after Manuel returned stateside, they settled in San Antonio where she continued her career as a hair stylist for many years.

After Manuel retired from the AF, they bought property very near their hometown of Kingsville TX to fulfill their lifelong dream of owning their own little piece of TX and raising a small herd of Santa Gertrudis cattle. Proudly, she found her niche in the small community of Riviera filling her time by volunteering at the Christus Spohn Hospital in Kingsville with over 8800 hrs. of service. A lifelong football fanatic, she spent many football seasons with an earphone in one ear tuned in to a college game while watching NFL on TV and crocheting, all at the same time. Also, a talented seamstress, she filled her time filling orders sewing homecoming and quinceñera dresses for friends and family.

In 2005 she became the fulltime caregiver for Manuel after he went through major heart surgery. In 2007 they made the decision to sell their ranch and make the move to Idaho so that their daughter Sandra and son-in-law, Steve, could help with their care. Soon after their move, Manuel suffered a stroke and was placed in long-term care where Ofelia devoted all her time by his side, daily, helping with his care. Sadly, he passed the day before their 60th wedding anniversary in 2011. Afterwards, Ofelia made the decision to remain in Idaho and for the next nearly 20 years made another life for herself, spending time with family and new friends that she made everywhere she went. Her faith was deep and her devotion to Christ showed in the way that she gave to her family and those in need.

Ofelia; devoted wife, Mom, 'Tita', touched and was loved by so many people in her life. Mere words cannot express the appreciation and love returned to all those that have shared their stories and experiences of her with us.

Ofelia is survived by her children Joe (Valerie), Sylvia (Steve) and Sandra with grandchildren Christopher, Jason, Joshua, Colleen and Coleton. Her Great Grandchildren will remember 'Tita' with a full heart of warm and loving memories to last a lifetime.

Ofelia is predeceased by infant son Jose Alberto, and her loving husband Manuel, siblings Raul, Amalia, Jose, Jesus and Ilia. A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Mountain Home ID on Nov 11 with Rosary at 1130 and Mass at 1200. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Kingsville, Texas for our beautiful mother. In Lieu of flowers please consider making donations to your favorite charity in her name.