Francine Mendoza

Francine Dyahne Little Deer Mendoza, resident of Ponca City, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, July 26, 2009. She was 30 years old. Francine was born on April 20, 1979 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Darlene Harjo. She was the granddaughter of Edward Pensoneau and Harriet Collins Pensoneau. She grew up in Ponca City and attended Riverside Indian School. Francine also went to Northern Oklahoma College for one year. She married Ignacio Antonio Mendoza on December 23, 1995 in Ponca City. Francine had many enjoyments which included traveling throughout the United States, baking cakes and pies, going to casinos, playing bingo, swimming, and camping during Ponca Pow Wows. She was interested in tribal traditions and made efforts to learn the language and songs. She also danced in the Pow Wow when she was little. Francine collected dolphins, cats, loved tinker bell and was an avid OU fan. Her presence will be greatly missed. She is survived by her mother, Darlene Harjo of Ponca City; husband, Ignacio Antonio Mendoza of Ponca City, Oklahoma; children, Ignacio Antonio Mendoza Jr.13, Brandon Mendoza 11, Miguel Mendoza 9, Cuahuemoc Mendoza 6, Maximus Mendoza 5 and Malachi Mendoza 4; two brothers, Alex Youker and Doug Pensoneau both of Ponca City, Oklahoma and one sister, Sonya Herrera of Ponca City, Oklahoma; two adopted brothers, Johnathan Dowell and Darron Chase Beard as well as a host of other distant relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Ed Pensoneau; grandmother, Harriet Pensoneau; and two very close cousins, Sam and Andre Billy. Casket bearers for the service will be Antonio Mendoza, Alex Youker, Doug Pensoneau, Jon Primeaux, David Primeaux and Gerardo Herrara. Honorary bearers are Richard Billy, Derek Billy, Josh Cook, Jennifer Primeaux and Desiree Kent. There will be a traditional noon meal at the Ponca Indian Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 29, 2009. The rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Grace Memorial Chapel. The Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 30, 2009 at St. Marys Catholic Church with Father John J. Michalicka officiating. The rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Grace Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at the Ponca Tribal Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Memorial donations can be sent to Pryse Monument under Francine Pensoneau Mendoza.