Shirley Rae Mendiola

August 30, 1937 – December 14, 2022

Shirley Rae Mendiola passed away peacefully at home December 14, 2022. Shirley was born to Leonard Samuel and Muriel Bate in Grand Island, Nebraska. She moved to Boise, Idaho as a young girl. She was teased by her future husband that she would always be a transplant and never a true Idahoan since she was born out of state. She graduated from Boise High School in 1955. The following year she married Donald Mendiola on December 30th, 1956. They were blessed with two children, Donald Jr. and Bridget. Shirley was a stay at home mom until Don and Shirley started a family business. They purchased Johnny Horn Flowers in 1969, which was later renamed Mendiola’s Flowers. For 18 years Shirley and Don worked as an amazing team to have one of the most respected businesses in Boise. They sold Mendiola’s Flowers and headed into an early retirement. Her wisdom concerning children was adopted by several of her daughter’s friends, quoting “I am raising an orchid, not a weed.”

Shirley loved growing in her walk with God through Precepts Bible Study and she was part of Cole Community Church. Shirley and Don were members of Hillcrest Country Club and Shirley enjoyed time spent bowling, and playing Bridge or Mahjong. She also moved her parents across the street and cared for them in their later years, while helping Don through several health issues. But soon the caregiver needed care after some unexpected health issues in 2005.

The family would like to thank Trinity Home Health Care for their years of service and Keystone Hospice.

Shirley is survived by her son Donald Mendiola Jr. of Eagle, and daughter Bridget Mendiola of Boise, and  two grandchildren Christine Mendiola of Eagle and Dallas Mendiola of Eagle.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Donald Mendiola Sr., brother Robert Bate of Cascade, Idaho, sister Anita Donika of Boise, Idaho.

A service will take place Wednesday, December 28, 2022  at 11 a.m. at the Alden Waggoner Funeral Chapel, 5400 Fairview Ave. Boise, ID, Interment to follow at Morris Hill Cemetery. .