Elias Arreola MendezApril 2, 1939 - October 6, 2008Elias Arreola Mendez, 69 of Albany passed away Monday at Samaritan Albany General Hospital.Elias and his wife Guadalupe moved to Oregon in 1964 from Elsa, Texas, with many family members.  He was married for 46 years to Guadalupe.  Elias worked various jobs in the Willamette Valley and retired from Boise Cascade Industries and then from Norpac foods. After retiring he enjoyed his many plants and gardens at home.  He also enjoyed going on walks throughout Albany, and different outdoor activities.  Elias could also be found at many social activities, especially Mexican dances.He is survived by his wife Guadalupe Mendez; daughter Viola and husband Scott Barnts of Monmouth; sons Elias and wife Debra Mendez, and Martin Mendez and wife Judy Tucker, all of Albany;  grandchildren Tyler Stitzel, Eli Mendez, Ashely Barnts, and Keya Mendez;  brothers Tirso Mendoza, Ismael Mendoza, Ramiro Mendez, Domingo Mendez, and Joel Mendez; sisters Juanita Rivera, Elena Ramirez, Angie Cochenour, Ester Victorio, Teresa Reyna, Olga Gonzalez, Elvira Alegria, Leticia Mendez and Elvia Germaine;  and father Domigo Mendez. He was preceded in death by his mother Maria Luz Mendez.Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, October 9 at the funeral home.  Reception of the rosary will be at 6 p.m. Thursday October 9 at the funeral home.  A  Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 10 at St. Mary's Catholic Church and burial will follow at Willamette Memorial Park.  AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling arrangements.  ( www.aasum-dufour.com )