Raquel “Rachel” Frausto Mendoza

December 5, 1951-October 5, 2026

       Heaven gained a beautiful angel when our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Raquel “Rachel” Frausto Mendoza, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on October 5, 2026.

     Rachel was born and raised in Lockhart, Texas. She attended Lockhart High School, where she was a proud member of the Maroon Jackets dance team, now known as the Lionettes and graduated in 1971. She cherished the friendships she made throughout her life and especially enjoyed getting together with her classmates to catch up and reminisce. Rachel was also an amazing athlete. She played shortstop for the Striders Women’s Softball Team, a sport she loved and a part of her life that brought her many wonderful memories.

     Rachel dedicated many years of her life to serving her community. She retired from Lockhart Independent School District, United Parcel Service, and the Texas Department of Transportation. She also worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Caldwell County Clerk and Tax Assessor’s Offices.

     Family was at the heart of Rachel’s life. She loved watching her sons, Michael and Marcos, play football and baseball, and she proudly cheered from the stands as her granddaughter, McKenzie, played high school and college softball. She was incredibly proud of all their accomplishments. To many of the boys’ classmates, she was affectionately known as “Momma Mendoza.”

      Rachel had a joyful spirit and loved to dance. She would teach McKenzie’s friends how to dance when they were little, and she loved getting together with her friends, coworkers, and classmates to unwind, laugh, and dance the night away. Her love of music, dancing, and good company brought joy to everyone around her.   Rachel also had a special love for cardinals, which she enjoyed collecting.

      Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Sara Frausto, and her sister, Esther Frausto.

      She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Michael Mendoza and Marcos Mendoza, and granddaughter, McKenzie Mendoza. She is also survived by her sister, Rebecca Taylor; brother, Daniel Frausto; nieces Sheila Seeliger (Scott), Vanessa Rai (Michael), and Marisol Frausto; seven great-nieces; two great-nephews; and many beloved family members and friends whose lives she touched.

       The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital for the care and compassion they provided to Rachel and her family.

      Though Rachel is no longer sitting in the stands cheering us on, dancing alongside us, or sharing a laugh with her loved ones, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

     A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Lions Club.

       “Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”