Bob Mendiola

Robert "Bob" J. Mendiola, Sr., 88, of Mountain Home, died Nov. 16, 2008, after a brief illness.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Born on April 13, 1920, Bob was born to Domingo and Tomasa (Uriona) Mendiola. He was the oldest of three children. Born and raised in Mountain Home, Bob spent his youth playing sports and loving the outdoors, both interests he carried throughout his life.

In 1942 Bob joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Pacific Theater in World War II.

After the war he found his calling in law enforcement where he served the citizens of Elmore County for over 37 years as a deputy and later as its sheriff.

In 1953, he married Lydia Dobaran. "They spent 55 happy years together and were blessed with three children and five grandchildren," his family said.

Upon Bob retirement, Bob and Lydia traveled, fished with friends and relatives and exercised Bob's green thumb, cultivating a garden "which allowed him to supply vegetables for his wonderful neighbors and friends each year," his family said, adding that "he loved a 'hot' card game with his family, often highlighted with stories and dinner."

Bob is survived by: his wife, Lydia; son Bob and his wife, Susanne Mendiola; daughter Carol and her husband, Kirk Dennis; daughter Anne and her husband, Paul Marsillo; five grandchildren; his sister- in-laws, Pilar Dobaran, Arvella Dobaran, Carman Dobaran and Gloria Mendiola; his brother in-law Francis Boyd and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas, and his sister, Irene.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to one of the following: Euskal Lagunak Basque Association, P.O. Box 88, Mountain Home, ID 83647, or Saint Marks Food Bank of Boise, 7960 Northview, Boise, ID 83704.