Carolita Mentz

Carolita Mentz passed peacefully at her home comforted by her son Jack Mentz Jr. of Prescott and daughter Sherrie Orr of Kauai on Friday May 3. She was the proud “Nana” to Christina Michelle Bailey of San Francisco, CA who shares her creative and artistic talents. She was preceded in death by her loving handsome husband Jack Mentz. Carolita’s professional career began at age 12 with the San Francisco Opera Ballet. She was introduced to Spanish dance ~ classical and flamenco and subsequently met Jose' Cansino, Rita Hayworth’s uncle who became her dance partner at age 14. She enjoyed an immensely successful career and was known as “Carmel’s Carolita.” Marrying Jack Mentz in Reno, Nevada, the family was transferred to Phoenix, Arizona which was their home for many decades. Carolita began studying with the beautiful Spanish dancer Lydia Torrea. She performed with “The Entertainers” for many years ~ a group of talented dancers, singers and actors including former Rockettes. Sherrie and Christina moved to Oahu, Hawaii in 1977 accompanied by Carolita. Days after arrival Carolita began her studies with the highly regarded Kumu Hula Rose Joshua of the Magic Hula Studio in Waikiki. She returned to Oahu for many years to further her dance skills. She began offering classes in Awana Hula and performed with her halau in the Valley for fifteen years. An opportunity for Sherrie arose ~ managing the remote Kokee Lodge in Kokee State Park Kauai. Carolita sought out Roselle Bailey ~ renown Kumu Hula to deepen her understanding of hula and its many meanings. When the Mentz family relocated to Prescott, AZ in 1996, Carolita offered hula classes and was honored to perform at the Elk’s Theatre for their successful fundraiser. She and her dancers delighted the residents of Las Fuentes and other residential properties. Carolita was a proud member of G.F.W.C. The Monday Club. Her inspirations were enjoyed by all members and represented her true being. Her gift of benevolence and concern for mankind and all animals - great and small - was evident in all of her actions. Those that knew her were touched by her genuine and honest spirit. Her family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to staff of YMRC and the dedicated group of caregivers at Hospice Family Care. They send much aloha to Darlene, Kim, Michelle and especially to Dr. Ferenc Nagy. We will miss our Mom and Nana. She was everything to us. Aloha. Jack, Sherrie and Christina Michelle