Rick P. Mandraes

Rick P. Mandraes passed away on October 26, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Rick was born in Naviska, Arizona to Placido and Maria Cruz Evanez Mendez on June 23, 1928. Rick grew up in the Casa Grande and Gila Bend area. During his youth he worked on a cattle ranch and loved wearing his cowboy boots. After graduating from Gila Bend High School he went to Phoenix College where he met his first love, Mary Aguilar. They married on June 10, 1950. They had three children, Jacque Diane LaShier (Keith), David Jon Mandraes (Susan), and Janie Rae Mierkey (Bill). Rick has eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Mary, and his son David. He is also preceded in death by his siblings Leo Mendez; Vicente Mendez; Jesus Mendez; Joe Mendez; Sylvia Armenta; Alice Guzman; and Filomena Hernandez.

Rick is survived by his wife Mary Ann, his daughters Jacque and Janie, and his brother Robert Mendez. On June 21, 1993 Rick found his second love and married Mary Ann Gartner who had three children, Virginia, Paula and William. Mary Ann has 47 grandchildren and they were all dear to Rick. In particular granddaughter Tanya Banuelos and her husband Jose have provided emotional support to Rick and Mary Ann in their time of need.

Rick had lived on his “Ranch” in Surprise, AZ for many years. At different time he raised horses, cattle, goats, chickens and other creatures too numerous to name. Over the past several years Rick had accumulated many cactus plants, thanks to the generosity of many of his clients who were landscapers. He had also started a mini orchard of a variety of citrus trees.

He joined the Air Force towards the end of WW II and was stationed in Puerto Rico. He retired from the Air Force. He later joined the U S Navy and was in the reserves with them for many years. A true patriot, Rick went to Germany during the Berlin Crisis time period when he was an active member of the Air National Guard.

Rick and his first wife Mary started a bookkeeping and tax business out of their home in the 1950’s. After Mary passed away in 1991 Rick kept up the Mandraes-Mendez Tax and Accounting Business. Up to his death Rick was counseling clients and providing tax and accounting services to clients he had supported for 50 years or more. Rick was active in a number of social and philanthropic organizations for many years. He was a member for many years in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Phoenix, AZ. He became active in the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and served as Chapter President and State Director. He also became active and continued serving until his passing in the Knights of Columbus. He achieved the Fourth Degree status which is often known as the “Patriotic Degree”.

Visitation will held on November 1, 2016 at the Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 North 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 2, 2016 at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, located at 5614 West Orangewood Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ.